h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, while madness reigns in the USA as folks there prepare for the elections, we’ve quietly had some elections of our own down here in South Africa. These were local elections, so not such a big deal as national elections, but still, we got to choose who we wanted to run the municipalities of our cities and towns. Last week Wednesday I went and voted right after I ate breakfast. My elections locale was Oosskool, a local primary school. There weren’t that many people when I arrived, and it went smoothly and quickly. The officials were helpful and prompt. I was done in ten minutes!

Now the results are out. The ANC did rather worse than it did last time, while the opposition, the Democratic Alliance, did quite well, even ‘taking’ a few cities! Tshwane, especially noteworthily, is now run by the DA. The ANC has been plagued by problems recently: allegations of corruption and mismanagement, and the ongoing clown-like antics of our president, Jacob Zuma. Apart from the Democratic Alliance, the ANC also found itself pressed from the left by the relatively new party, the Economic Freedom Front. While no serious threat to the ANC, the EFF nevertheless did take voters away from it – many poor people that are disillusioned and believe the ANC has forsaken its promises to give them a better life. The EFF has much appeal to such people but, alas, no real workable plan as how to help them. The DA is much more practical, and have a record of actually delivering on at least some of their promises. They intend to run things with greater efficiency and accountability, so we’ll see how things go. I’ve not got an intrinsic problem with the ANC as many other white folks do, but I think it’s good they’re kept on their toes! There is indeed a rotten element in the party, that’s only interested in power and comfort and the perks of the position. The ANC does need to seriously take stock and do some cleaning up in its own ranks. But I hope the DA remains ‘on the ball’. All round, though, I think my country is doing quite well! We are now settling things by going and voting together, rather than shooting and blowing each other up – surely a much better option!

Amen. And here's hoping and praying that it will just get better as time goes on and people have more experience.

Thanks Dmitri! Hoping the same for you folks over there!

Good on you for getting out to vote! I've never understood the people who have the ability to do so not voting. Here is hoping that the changes in power are good ones.

Hiya Gw7en! Good to hear from you again over here!

Thank you! I'm glad to be back.

Willem, so glad things appear to be looking up in your neck of the woods. It seems to be complete turmoil everywhere else, US. UK, EU, Middle East. In all my years I don't remember so many places in crisis.

Glad you voted. So many people who have the vote do not use it, even after the way past generations have fought for the right.

On a personal level, hope you are well. Have not been online a great deal of late. An overgrown garden which the rain and sun has boosted to new heights, and two grandchildren on whom the sun and rain appears to have done the same, are keeping me busy



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