Reaching a political equilibrium.

I believe that Frantz Fanon’s critique of the nation bourgeoisie is relevant to contemporary South Africa. In his book, The Wretched of the Earth (1961), Fanon holds a pessimistic view of post-oppression governance. In essence he believes that after independence, governance acts in the interests of the ruling class and disregards the needs of the poor. I will show you how post-oppression governance in South Africa is acting in the vested interests of the ruling class with complete disregard to the reforms promised to the poor.

According to the South African Constitution, education is meant to be available for all who choose to seek it. This promise is always reinforced by the ANC just before the national elections. (Radebe 2005:4). The reality of the matter is that affordable education is more unobtainable than ever before in the countries history. One can, however, easily see the logic behind this, if one is educated. An educated electorate is an electorate that thinks for itself. An electorate that thinks for itself is an electorate that holds leadership accountable for their failures and gives praise for success. It is not in ruling class’s interest to educate the masses as this means that the ruling class would be accountable for failures and ultimately lose power if they are not performing in the interest of the people.

Perhaps democracy is fatally flawed or perhaps humans are irreversibly greedy. History has shown us that a failed political system inevitably collapses upon itself until a political equilibrium is reached. Revolution is often the catalyst for this reform.

List of references:

· Fanon, F. 1961. The Wretched of Earth.

· Radebe, H. 2005. ANC Branches fail to give effect to promise of a better life for all in SA. Business Day. Pg 4.