the corner office

Thinking about someamongus's post today about the mediocrity and reduced work ethic of South African politicians, I was remarking to Ronwen tonight about how different things are here, as evidenced by the shitstorm raised in the Commons today about the backlog in capturing details about foreign crimes committed by British citizens. Seeing Blair and Cameron going at each other on telly was something else. Apart from being high entertainment, it leaves you a little more comfortable about the process of government.

Parliament in SA was always just depressing to watch. Sure they have their fights but you know that ANC figures are just going through the motions because no matter what gets said, they're in charge and that's that, and opposition politicians (or the media) can whine and scream all they want; it makes no difference. Over here, the media and opposition parties are baying for blood, and it seems it's not hard for them to get it.

It's a nice change to see politicians looking scared when faced with a crisis, and not dismissively arrogant like back home. I don't think it's about ideas and debate, as someamongus suggests (more on that another time), but the difference is, very clearly, competition, of the simple economic kind. Competition for jobs and position is essential to keep politicians and parties on their toes, and SA just doesn't have that. Until ANC politicians have real job insecurity, they have no incentive to be anything other than mediocre and self-serving.