The NdB Sunday Show - Ron Weissenberg: How to change the regime next year - without a revolution!

In this edition of the NdB Sunday Show, Ron Weissenberg of The Accountability Group (TAG), tells Chris Steyn how South Africa could have a new government by next year instead of after the 2029 national elections. He says it can be achieved in accordance with a Constitutional provision for Parliament to be dissolved between national elections once a minimum of three years have passed since it was elected. It would require a motion to be tabled by an MP and voted for by the majority of members (201 minimum out of 400) following which early elections must be held within 90 days. The earliest date such a motion can be tabled is 29 May 2027. Asked why this early regime change has not been mooted, Weissenberg says: “...there's a cynical answer to that - and of course one shouldn't confuse narrow self interests with virtue when it comes to political parties and politicians.” As its advisability, he says: “...one thing that has become apparent is that voters in this country do seem to like coalitions, but coalitions do not like voters...if there isn't support from the parliamentary caucuses themselves, there should certainly be support from the voting public…to ensure that, if the government of the day is not performing, they are given the earliest opportunity to cast a vote for something different and not have to wait a further few years to do that.”