In spite of the fact that the topic of missing fathers is a difficult one for South Africa to address, the author of this piece compares the ANC to the figure of an absent father. IOL was the first website to publish this article.
By Thamsanqa Malinga
The problem of deadbeat dads in SA has been researched, examined academically, and discussed in a number of forums. This problem has been viewed as having made a significant contribution to the breakdown of society and its values. Numerous academic studies conducted all over the world have consistently reached the same conclusion regarding absent fathers and societal breakdown.
I’m sorry to disappoint you, but this essay does not offer a psychological analysis of the overly studied topic.
The Republic of South Africa, however, as exemplified by its leadership and its deeds, is that of the absent father who has served as the focus of many years of study.
I have watched and commented on our government’s policies and actions (read: service delivery) toward South African citizens while experiencing such pain and unhappiness.
It would be an understatement to say it is heartbreaking. Seeing our elected officials’ despicable behavior—or lack thereof—against the voters who cast ballots every five years is emotionally torturous.
As a starting point for my analysis, allow me to indulge you and paint a picture based on the actual experiences of two people I have traveled through life with and their perception of the absent father.
I must state that using the anecdotes and contentious topic of absent fathers in society to express my political commentary in no way undermines or diminishes the significance of a societal and psychological issue in order to make a point about politics. They are not far apart in my opinion.
Imagine being told by your father to go shopping at the mall on the weekend and wait for him outside a clothing store so he can buy you some nice clothes.
He assures you of an unmatched shopping extravaganza. Your mother warns you as a child that your father won’t keep his promise, but your naivete causes you to ignore her.
When the weekend comes, you are at the mall and you wait for the man who assured you a buying craze for the better part of the day, but he never shows up.
I’ll give you another example now. You observe your businessman father, who is wealthy, cruising around in a modern coupé.
You call out to him and run after the car like a little kid, but he doesn’t hear you as he cruises with his girlfriend. There’s a new girlfriend, and every time you see him drive by and call out to him to follow the car, he ignores you.
These are real, depressing tales of people I know. Even though they may be sad, they have made me think about our government as it is represented by the ANC.
