By Fumene George Tsibani:
In my considered opinion, the trajectory of South Africa’s political landscape appears to be undergoing a profound transformation, warranting scrutiny through the lens of historical materialism and critical discourse analysis.
The contention that we are witnessing the unfolding of Apartheid Phase II, characterised by the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) consolidation of power through modernisation theory rooted in neoliberalism, merits examination.
Hegemony, Guptarisaton and Re-Bantusation
Drawing upon the Gramscian concept of hegemony, it can be argued that the DA is attempting to exercise cultural and ideological leadership through its control of media and propaganda machinery. This is manifest in the creation of fashionable black political parties, which serve to accelerate regime change and undermine the existing order.
The African National Congress’s (ANC) own goals, as articulated in 2007, have been marked by the impact of greed and state looting, as documented in the Zondo Commission. The Guptarisation of South African state institutions and the retribalisation of black fashionable political parties, echoing the pseudo-ethnicities of yesteryear, all serve to accelerate regime change.
A Republic within a Republic
The institutionalisation of advanced liberalism, facilitated by Global North external influences and supported by organisations such as Afriforum, Solidarity Union, and Freedom Plus, has led to a situation where South Africans are being distracted by discussions on security matters, cleverly orchestrated by Ad hoc Committees of Parliament and the Madlanga Commission.
This can be seen as a subtle yet insidious strategy of regime change, with the DA and its allies seeking to establish a Western Cape Republic in 2029, modelled after the prototype of a Global North country, where neoliberalism and free-market principles are deeply entrenched.
The DA’s strategy, bolstered by NATO’s ideological and organisational support, appears to be focused on targeting key provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, thereby consolidating its power base and furthering its agenda of creating a white-dominated SADC, reminiscent of Cecil John Rhodes’s vision. The prospect of a Godzille-like figure as mayor in key cities, beholden to the DA’s ideology, is a chilling reminder of the party’s intentions to reshape the political landscape in its image.
Reconfiguring society, politics and economy
This broader strategy of regime change is not merely about security matters but about reconfiguring the very fabric of South African society, politics, and economy to align with the interests of the Global North and its allies.
The establishment of a Western Cape Republic in 2029 and a KwaZulu-Natal Republic in 2035 would be a significant step towards realising this vision, with far-reaching implications for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and social cohesion.
In this context, the DA’s agenda can be seen as a manifestation of neocolonialism, where external powers and their local allies seek to exert control over key levers of power, shaping the country’s trajectory to serve their interests.
Recolonisation – a lingering menace
The reference to Her Majesty the Queen and now King Charles underscores the lingering legacy of colonialism and the role of the British monarchy in shaping the destiny of nations. As South Africans, it is essential to recognise the dangers of this agenda and to resist any attempts to undermine the country’s hard-won democracy and sovereignty.
These developments are reminiscent of the historical imagination of Cecil John Rhodes, who envisioned a Southern Africa dominated by white countries. The institutionalisation of this vision through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) serves to underscore the enduring legacy of colonialism and imperialism in the region.
Usurping power through funding and taming
In conclusion, it is imperative to recognise the complexities of the current conjuncture and the forces at play. As a scholar of critical discourse analysis, I must remain vigilant in my critique of power and its machinations, lest I forget the lessons of history.
The funding and taming of black fashionable political parties by external forces, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the British imagination of white countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) economic bloc, is a stark reality that demands attention.
Drawing on the Gramscian concept of hegemony, it is clear that the creation of a compliant and subservient political class is a key component of this strategy. By co-opting and manipulating black political leaders, external forces seek to create a new generation of leaders who are beholden to their interests, rather than the interests of their own people.
Targeting cultural and historical identity
As scholars such as Frantz Fanon and Steve Biko have argued, this form of neocolonialism is particularly insidious, as it seeks to erase the cultural and historical identity of the colonised, replacing it with a dominant Western worldview.
In the context of South Africa, this means that the country’s very identity and sovereignty are under threat. As Nelson Mandela so eloquently put it, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” It is time for South Africans to rise up and resist the forces of neocolonialism that seek to undermine their hard-won democracy.
Challenge the dominant narratives
To resist this modernised hegemonic control, it is essential that South Africans wake up to the reality of their situation. As Ngugi wa Thiong’o argues, the most effective way to resist colonialism is to reclaim one’s language, culture, and history. This means that South Africans must be willing to challenge dominant narratives and discourses, and to assert their own voices and perspectives.
I recommend that South Africans prioritise critical media literacy, decolonisation of education, promotion of local manufacturing and localisation, empowerment of local communities, and resistance to neocolonialism. By taking these steps, South Africans can begin to reclaim their own identity, culture, and history, and to assert their sovereignty in the face of external forces that seek to dominate and control.
The future of South Africa depends on its ability to resist neocolonialism and assert its sovereignty. As the Freedom Charter so eloquently puts it, “The people shall govern!” It is time for the people of South Africa to take control of their own destiny and to build a brighter future for themselves and future generations. Prof Fumene George Tsibani is at the University of Johannesburg. He is writing in his personal capacity. –@NewsSA_Online
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