SADC Region: Republic of South Africa: Official Opposition in talks with strange bedfellows?

(South African Catholic)


Notation by Marc Aupiais

According to the Cape Argus, a member of the Independent Newspapers (IOL) news group: the Democratic Alliance (DA)- South Africa's Official Opposition: is in behind closed doors unity talks with several smaller parties- including ANC off-shoot: COPE (Congress of the People), the ID (Independent Democrats), and the UDM (United Democratic Front).

While the DA allows their Members of Parliament (MPs) to vote with their conscience, on matters deemed by the DA to be related to morality- the ID and UDM- have both pushed legislation and policies, which are seriously against the moral fibre set out by the Church- including on vitally important issues such as- what marriage should be, and legalising of and pushing of pro-abortion legislation by the state.

Much of the leadership of political fledgling- COPE- jumped ship from the ANC prior the last election- having seemingly been perfectly accepting of the ANC (African National Congress)- when it radically liberalised access to Abortion, and instituted "Civil Unions"- "Gay marriage". On the "Gay Marriage" issue- as our service noted in another article: earlier this year- the ID seemingly wanted to force marriage officers to "marry" gay couples- whatever their conscientious or religious objections.

Exactly what form of alliance would be formed if the alleged talks are successful- is not clear to our service at present.

Whether this would entail close co-operation on some matters between multiple parties, or a new political party- is not clear, although the evidence seems to lend towards the latter- as with the quotations the Cape Argus gives to back up its claims.

Reportedly: Helen Zille has noted a number of areas where the opposition parties could find common ground-

These apparently include: commitment to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; creating an environment which would offer opportunities to everyone; a market-driven economy, opportunity and delivery and a safety net for the less privileged (c.f. IOL- as linked to below).

Representation of the DA had not replied to a media request from our service at the time of publishing.

C.F. IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 02 / 08 | 2009

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Twitter&set_id=1&click_id=79&art_id=vn20090802061851279C687881

Africa: SADC: South Africa: Corruption and Politics: Shaik (accused of a currupt relationship with ANC president) shakes off 15 year jail sentence

(Scripturelink Voters guide; Social Justice South Africa; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 03 / 03 / 2009; Letters sent to IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) on the 04 / 03 / 2009; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009; 03 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Shabir Shaik: convicted of having a "Generally Corrupt" relationship with the Ruling (with a majority capable of changing the constitution of SA, which has changed said constitution numerous times) ANC (African national Congress) President Jacob Zuma, has just been "permanently" let off a 15 year jail sentence for corruption, 2 days after a press release by Jacob Zuma, that he would pardon Shaik on possibly becoming president of South Africa.

"Shaik was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005 after he was convicted on two counts of corruption and one of fraud. This was based on evidence of a corrupt relationship between himself and then South African and ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma.

At the time of going to press on Monday night, there was a lot of activity at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban, where Shaik had spent a good deal of his incarceration."

(IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 03 / 03 / 2009)

The ANC, largely backed by uneducated masses of South Africa, who suffer from lack of education, and basic resources: after over a decade of ANC rule, is mooted to win a majority, as usual in this year's elections. When a Constitutional challenge on election rules, preventing South Africans abroad from voting: hit: the ANC set the election date in April: this may well prevent the constitutional claim from succeeding. Millions of South Africans have left the country since 1994, due to openly racist business and other regulations set by the government: which has seen incalculable damage to South Africa's economy, due to a non-white skills shortage, and also the leaving of many South Africans due to crime, and a general perception among many: that whatever they want, the government will do as it desires.

Opposition parties have, in recent years, whether purposeful, or incidently: had the police used against them. DA leader Hellen Zille was arrested in Cape Town, by police, while objecting on crime. ANC offshoot: COPE, was prevented from taking to the streets, to campaign after a national congress, by Riot Police, as the ANC suddenly had a meeting nearby. No mention of Riot Police by the ANC talk was mentioned. With Voter intimidation in recent By-Elections, and ANC supporters alleged by the DA, to have been bussed in, and attempting to blockade a DA rally in a township, these are just some of the worries: not excluding murders in Kwazulu Natal; where IFP and ANC supports are alleged to have taken part in violence in previous elections. High ranking members of the ANC's Triparteid Alliance: have said that they will take up arms for Mr Zuma's cause, and there have been comments regarding what seems, for lack of adequate clarification like a physical annihilation of the DA (Democratic Alliance), South Africa's major opposition party.

According to the State, which has let Shaik off due to "depression", and "high blood Pressure", Shaik will not be sent back to jail, if these "symptoms" suddenly disappear. The State has also refused to release exactly what "terminal" condition Shaik has: only mentioning what could be signs of someone actually being in prison.

"It should be noted that in terms of section 75 (8) of the Correctional Services Act (Act 111 of 1998), the 'decision of the board is final' and can only be reviewed by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review board, led by a judge," Wolela said."
( IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 03 / 03 / 2009)

As the law requires a prisoner to be terminally ill to be released, it seems odd, that a terminal illness has not been mentioned. In fact, unless Shaik kicks the bucket within days, or weeks, it raises the question on HIV Positive prisoners, who have been denied parole until their last legs. Perhaps Shaik needs a change in diet, having spent most of his time in hospital, over what many may see as symptoms of stress, and being in jail.

IOL, probably South Africa's most reliable news source, has more to say, by airing letters sent on the issue, which I think are an interesting read:


Like many South Africans: who have seen so much in the interesting way in which ANC supporters of high rank usually don't feel too discomforted when faced with "prison", many South Africans seem suspicious. Others want more details: some think that fraudsters should not go to jail.

(Letters sent to IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) on the 04 / 03 / 2009)

IOL notes that the state is refusing to review the choice, or to give it up to review, despite the fact that the ANC controls the government, and: "Shaik was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005 on two counts of corruption and one of fraud, which, among other things, related to an alleged bribe he negotiated between Zuma and a French arms company. - Sapa"IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009). Zuma is president of the ruling ANC.

The African National Congress denies ( IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009) any influence in the release of Shaik, while the DA, among others is seeking some form of action over the surprise the release of Shaik, due to his "High Blood pressure" "etc".

IOL quoted a source, which tries to get prisoners rights insured, it was noted that 2500 prisoners die a year, it seems these did not get this parole. Many prisoners have been subject to denials of medical parole, and it is probably a unique case, that Shaik should get it for depression and high blood ( 03 / 03 / 2009: IOL) pressure, with possible "chest pains". Why the public has been denied so much information on this case is odd, especially due to the following:

"32. Access to information

1. Everyone has the right of access to
1. any information held by the state; and

2. any information that is held by another person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights.

2. National legislation must be enacted to give effect to this right, and may provide for reasonable measures to alleviate the administrative and financial burden on the state."

(Bill of Rights, Chapter II of the Constitution of the "Republic of South Africa" 10 December 1996)

ID and PAC, ACDP, DA on Gay Marriage and Abortion

(Scripturelink Voters guide)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It seems from my research that every single opposition party, except the UDM which refused participation, and the DA, who allowed their MPs to vote with conscience- apposed the ANC bill which forced through Gay marriage- by not allowing ANC MPs to vote against such.

As for Abortion- The DA, always allows freedom of conscience to MPs on Moral issues, but the ANC has it in their manifesto, or plan, whatever it may be- since the 1994 election- that Abortion should basically be a right for women. The ANC of course passed both abortion and Gay marriage in South Africa with their parliamentary advantages- and by forcing their MPs to vote against conscience and for the party. For the abortion bill we have Mandela and the liberation Generals of the ANC to thank. To vote ANC was the matter of Mortal sin in every previous election- but if one did not know the facts- perhaps one is innocent- of course in the next election no Catholic who knows their policies can avoid mortal sin by voting ANC.

DA is very clever- they don't bring morals into force on others- and therefore can almost always be voted for at present because their policies on the major issues usually are- it involves morals- let us leave it to conscience. Not that I don't wish they had said- automatic opposition though!

On the more recent "Termination of Pregnancy Amendment bill", which was worse than the previous one- showing just how much further the ruling party seems constantly to fall towards non-negotiables- the African Christian Democratic Party, the Freedom Front, the Federation of Democrats where quick to vote against the additional measure, all as the Democratic Alliance permitted their members freedom of vote as they chose, which probably could mean for, as many hopefully voted against on the matter. This as 9 out of every 10 South Africans drastically appose abortion. Many of the abortions performed here, are from people who come across the border to use the free facilities.

Now the PAC and ID vote on this isn't noted by news 24. Other sources noted that in addition to the ACDP and FF, and FD, the UCDP and the IFP which openly apposed this additional legislation. The ID allowed a free vote, as the DA always does while and this is revolting, and means these parties should be added to your never vote for if possible list- ANC, UDM and MF all were in support of the bill.

Apparently the ruling party, and supporters of this bill- acting against the people's wishes- have yet to have a single MP publicly defend these actions, as asked by "ChristianView Network" (P E Church Net- 19/08/2004) who offered two thousand rand to anyone who could find such a parliamentarian.

And so- so far the parties South African Catholics will likely commit mortal sin in voting for are the ANC, UDM, and MF.

As for the ID, before 2003 they did not exist, so we couldn't find their original votes. The party's well known leader was a PAC member- part of a party known for the policy of some members of one "settler" one bullet, and has been in some controversial issues. The ACDP- is a protestant parrty, but a small party, and I don't know where they stand on other issues. The DA are our largest opposition, and have no official view on morality issues.

Parties, which on these two issues seem relatively clean are the DA, ID, ACDP and FF, and FD, the UCDP and the IFP. We do not know the policies of the PAC on these, but they seems against. One must not forget the calls of some of their party's members in the past calls for what sounded like genocide against white people in the past though- which could place them as a don't vote for party. Yes, the claim is that "One settle one bullet" refered to oppressors- but some murders show a different perspective in some of their listeners. The ID comes as an offshoot from the PAC, and this could be an issue on which to avoid votes for them. Of course- in modern times- the PAC has distanced itself very much from such statements. It has not stopped them asking in the TRC for amnesty for some killers of white persons.

Parties on these two issues, which cannot be voted for are: ANC, UDM, and MF.

As our first article states- your mortal soul is on the line when voting- keep this in mind. Please join our facebook group and spread the news.

If any of our facts are in any way incorrect, please inform us. They are based on internet sources- mostly linked to news sources, but mistakes do happen.

As for resources- we don't endorse the sites we have linked to- but they are the sites we have based our information on among others

recent vote:

A site we know little of:
http://www.pechurchnet.co.za/post/issues/abortion/ab20040820.htm
Mail and Guardian
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-01-17-abortion-amendment-bill-passed-by-assembly
News 24
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Politics/0,,2-7-12_2253844,00.html


Gay Marriage:
IOL
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=iol1163515597485S522

Original Abortion vote:
another site we don't know anything of
http://www.euthanasia.com/safrica2.html

Unfortunately- we are one of the only Catholic News Services to have a strong online basis in South Africa- so we don't exactly have too many in-house resources to go on!


PAC- some supporters claiming- One settle One bullet:

http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/pr/1998/p980728a.htm



Note: this article is written in and from a catholic perspective. No insinuations are made otherwise!