Congratulations!

Congratulations are indeed in order. I am happy that I decided to vote. As I watch the results come in and listen to the analysts make their educated deductions and predictions; I am happy that I am part of the process.

I congratulate the ANC for running a formidable campaign based on what is a clear understanding of their constituency. I had my doubts but those have now be put to bed. The ANC understands that which drives their constituency - hope. Hope for a better future, hope that their party will change their lives for the better. The ANC sold hope and the people bought it. Nothing else seemed to be of much concern. Whatever else the media and other detractors of the ANC said did not move the people, the people voted for the party they believe will deliver for them.

I congratulate the DA. They too seem to understand their own constituency. They too seem to understand that which drives their constituency - fear. The DA sold fear, fear of a 2/3rd majority of the ANC, fear of the threat to the rule of law, fear of kleptocracy and their constituency bought it regardless of all else. The DA constituency voted for the party they believe will deliver them from the evil of an ANC government.

I congratulate Cope. With very little time to prepare for the elections and with little else to offer but a proposition for change, Cope has made its presence felt. I cannot say that there is any particular understanding of its constituency on their part, moreso the understanding of the South African voting population. Cope sold change, it sold difference. The change and the difference was not well articulated; even so their constituency gave them a chance albeit in lesser than number than anticipated.

I congratulate the people of this country for going out and making their voices heard. I congratulate the people for bringing a new dawn. The last time there was so much enthusiasm about elections and the democratic process was back in 1994 when the people rallied around Nelson Mandela and made a break with the past.

I congratulate all the other parties for doing their bit however modest, for our democracy, our country, our future.

These are early days but one thing is certain, our democracy has triumphed. These elections have confirmed the right of each and every one of us to differ without being branded an enemy of the other; the right to choose in accordance with one's beliefs. These elections have to me demonstrated the importance of participating as opposed to spectating and complaining.

Now, in a few coming days Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma will become the 4th president of the Republic of South Africa. He will preside over a democratically elected government, with a mandate from the people of this country to govern. He will appoint a cabinet in accordance with the powers vested on him by our constitution. A cabinet that will be empowered to execute on behalf of all the people of this country.

For that and barring all else, I congratulate and wish him well.