|
 FROM
BERRY EVERITT
Even the service delivery protests and the party-political acrimony that accompanied the recent local elections could not dull the real message to emerge from the exercise, which is that the majority of ordinary South Africans still share a commitment to democracy and would rather try to achieve change through the ballot box than by other means.
According to the IEC, almost 58% of registered voters cast their ballots in the elections (which was the highest turnout since the local elections in the year 2000) and many commentators have noted that this poll was much more issue-based – rather than race or party-based – than any other since 1994.
In short, our democracy is not only growing but maturing, and this should be a great source of encouragement to both local and overseas investors who we need in order to help our economy grow and our employment rate rise – especially when one considers the increasing instability and turmoil in many other parts of the developing world.
What is more, acknowledgment by all political parties of the growing demand for real action rather than election promises should now speed up the delivery of much needed housing, essential services, schooling, health facilities and decent jobs in many neglected parts of the country, especially since the next round of national elections are not that far off.
And in that prospect, I believe, lies real hope for property market growth here that is once again among the strongest in the world - and will attract even more investment to all our benefit. |
