Post-colonial Africa is littered with many undemocratic governments which suppress basic human rights and loot and plunder the economic and other resources. Africa s democratic credentials have been sullied by the incessant usurpation of power through undemocratic means. Coups have become part of our daily existence. These developments undermine our aspirations for self-determination and nation building and weaken the people s confidence in the political system. The problems that we see are a product both of colonial legacy and sheer bad governance.
Political democracy is a key ingredient in Africa s regeneration or renaissance.
Without political democracy our societies are condemned to be ruled by self-appointed dictators. The broader progressive movement, including the labour movement has a crucial role in fighting for political democracy in Africa. It is important that we root out corruption, nepotism and create conditions for popular participation to flourish. Good governance is not a luxury but a necessary condition for open, participatory, accountable and democratic governance. Our beacon in South Africa is the hard won Constitution which recognises that governance should be transparent, accountable, democratic and participatory.