Thursday, February 21, 2013

Blog 4: Rekindling the South African dream


Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, who is an author, activist, and also a businesswoman states “let’s build the country of our dreams” which is her main goal and political plan which she calls “Agang” which stands for build in Setswana. She thinks that we should be able to vote for the person in our own area that we want to represent us in Parliament, so that we can hold them accountable for their actions. The issue is that South Africa’s people are effectively being prevented from governing by the country’s electoral system, and this simply is not fair. This article also discusses how poor people and workers are the ones that suffer the most because they are the victims of the interests of privileged union leaders. Dr. Ramphele plans to defend the rights of the workers to unionize and protect their rights at all times. Another goal that is stated in this article is that the platform will promote full engagement of workers in shaping a prosperous society for all, and strengthening of the role of government in serving all citizens equally.

Overall I think this article is extremely important because those living in South Africa are not being treated like they should be. They are experiencing inequality but I find it very refreshing that someone is stepping up to the plate and trying to change all of this. The problem that I see coming from all these goals and plans is will there actually be change? I ask this because change it’s truly a hard thing especially when these forms of inequality have been around for years and years. The article discusses how there is a poor performance of public service which is why providing citizens with quality public services is such a hard thing. With that being said jobs, and in general the standard of living is hard to improve on because public service is lacking. These are all issues that I am most positive not just South Africa is facing. Inequality is seen everywhere and those that have to deal with inequality are truly hurting. I would love to see change occur through Dr. Ramphele’s plan and I hope that she continues to fight for the rights of the people. We need more people like her to start standing up and wanting to make change because without the push and the willingness to help from others we will never seek equality.

Meredith Casacchia
2-21-13  2:18pm
 

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