Jantjie development and shifting (citizen) perceptions of the South African state

Perhaps we need to examine South Africa’s national dialogue. Yes, including and beyond Mr. Thamsanqa Jantjie, the vagary of the Nelson Mandela memorial. Yes, some argue that such happenings reflect state president, Mr. Jacob Zuma or his (public) administration. Could we examine state affairs through Mr. Janjie? Yes, to some extent. In his latest recordings, Janjie suggests his now unpopular hand signals to have been revelations, rather, of a state not in order. So, let us take this further.

For the most part, we can all agree that Jantjie has his own issues to deal with and, quite clearly, not one to be entrusted with stately affairs. However, he is now, as a citizen, attempting to verbally explain South African social issues. His words are not going to escape the public. For some good reason, perhaps? You decide.

GROWING DISGRUNTLED CITIZENS

A rapidly growing group of disgruntled citizens of South Africa show signs of displeasure with how the state is administering the affairs of the country. Signs are prevalent within civil society, the trade union movement, emergent political players (e.g., Economic Freedom Fighters), and through rising social security fears. Clearly, citizens perceive their civil liberties to be in danger.

First, concerned non-governmental groups have been unsettled for a period stretching back to President Thabo Mbeki's time in office. With President Mbeki, we saw the HIV/AIDS treatment controversy. Although the controversy was resolved and major steps taken on the issue, other frictions remain. For example, another constant issue of concern has been that of media freedom (see the Protection of Information Bill debate). Furthermore, civil society concerns, as noted very recently with a declaration statement released by a group, which included people such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu stated that democracy is “in danger.”

SMOLDERING ANGER AFTER MARIKANA

Second, is the trade union movement, who are especially angered in the period following Marikana. Why? There are several reasons for such. However, most important are issues such as the treatment of workers; labor rights and security, and salaries, as seen with Marikana. Most recently, are developments and threats of a potential tripartite break-up. Indeed, there are some politics at play. However, there’s usually more to such developments, as well.

The state will need to pay close attention to this particular area, because it involves the heartbeat of South Africa: mining. Indignation arising from this particular will result in serious distress upon South African society. Mining has been, for a long time now, the provider of bread and butter for many. What happens within mining will likely reflect in other industries/sectors.

MARGINALIZING THE YOUTH

Third, is the youth voice(s). They are not listened to or well received at times - a growing view of many young South Africans. The dangerous dismissal of youth outcry must be avoided. Every generation will evolve with own needs, mores, and values. As seen with developments in Arab states recently, youth could turn on the state. Results of such a turn are never pleasant.

Indeed the United Nations had long released a report, ‘The Arab Human Development Report: 2002,’ which forewarned Arab states of growing youth anger. Today, the results of inaction are very apparent. Thus, the anger and outcry which sprout out of the youthful Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) cannot be dismissed either. There is a need to turn the key and unlock, for a generational shift.

Fourth, are social security concerns. As notes Tjantjie in his most recently leaked video clip, from the West Rand based Psychiatric Hospital, Sterkfontein, social security issues are a concern. An example he cited, in his minutiae verbose, was of (in) accessibility issues at the venue of Nelson Mandela's memorial. While such a claim should be taken with a grain of salt, it must also be noted that one truth stands out, as seen with various studies and public opinion polling: many are now feeling that the state is, in fact, rubbing its salt into their deep social wounds.

SOCIAL SICKNESS AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF SOCIETY

Perhaps another hidden take away in the leak was the symbolism buried in the location of the recording (Sterkfontein) or, quite simply, the name emblazoned on Mr. Tjantjies shirt at the time: Sterkfontein. Here signs point to another growing and pressing issue within the country: mental health. “Make sure that people with disability [sic"> are catered...” demands Jantjie.

As he put it, if he were on “the wrong,” he would need to be shown “the right.” That is, the right that comes out of the state. In other words, the state shall set an example for its people. And if that example is conflicted, the conflict will show within the population. As Chinese philosopher, Kong Fuzi (Confucius) noted, a leader shall offer an example in character, and the positive of that character, if indeed good, will reflect within said society. Thus, it is public perceptions (many of which are valid), which should be of concern for the state. Perhaps the examination of this particular concern, the perception, could not only be revealing what wrong needs be righted, but what direction South African society sees itself to be heading in.

Commonly held societal fears give birth to extremely unfortunate circumstances. That is the worrisome part. Does the state really need a stark political x-ray of its public administration, from a man at Sterkfontein? Not only do Janjie's views matter here. It would seem that more serious societal work is necessary, countrywide. The Cape Town based feces protestations are bare warnings of what can happen if society is left to falter.

Therefore, the state needs to develop the avidity of citizen perception within it. Perception, if dangerously left to wander, will prove extremely hard to extinguish; once fiery elements are active. The Jantjie vexation ought to be taken as the revelation of some core issues, and not merely a case of a "sick man." Social sickness can affect those at the top and bottom. However, solutions often come out of the most expected of places, if not people, as well.

Foremost, it ought to be acknowledged that the state has delivered. However, as outlined above, a lot more work remains to be done. Unfortunately, South Africa is a country of extreme opposites. For example, the big names of global affairs and politics at the Nelson Mandela memorial were seen to be “partying of.” Of course that’s too simplistic a dismissal. A departing great son of the African soil was being celebrated and offered a final salute.

However, some concerns are worthy of thought. For example, it was argued that the poor were attending the memorial by way of small television sets at home: an image shown, if not implied, through broadcasts in the western world, for instance. Simply put, South Africa's extremes (e.g., the very poor- very rich complex) are now showing at the global stage, as well.

Jantjie also implicitly, if not directly, borrowed lines from the great American Poet, Dr. Maya Angelou’s beautiful poem, “Still I Rise,” in his latest short salvo. He made his case for revolt against what he perceived as an unfair state. Indeed, this might mean right to some, and wrong to others. He refers to himself as a “great fake” exposing “what’s going on in the government, in the system.” He then further contends, “The system has been created to put us down…”

WE MUST HEED JANTJIE’S VOICE

Clearly, it is for South Africans to decide where the wrongs and rights are and what such dilemmas mean for the country, or if they do, indeed, feel the need to "rise." Yes, Jantjie could be dismissed as speaking under medicinal influence and such. However, his voice, and perhaps not so much his hand signals, must not be quickly dismissed. Indeed, solutions are derived out of many societal avenues and anxieties, if not said unsettling and stigmatized places of solitude, such as the current residency of Mr. Jantjie.

But really, what are the solutions to noted challenges? First, one must acknowledge that challenges and work of the state are expansive (not an excuse though). However, some possible solutions could be summarized as follows: close the gap between rich and poor; jobs, jobs, jobs = healthier economy; job security; offer social security which encourages self-sustainability as well (look to Latin America on this one. Then formulate an SA based/specific program); improve healthcare system; avoid future Marikana's; involve citizens in the making of key decisions, which will impact them - especially youth; then, importantly, address prevailing concerns of the state only being responsible to capitalist interests.

Indeed, many of these suggestions, it could be argued, have been visited upon and/or implemented by the state. However, there remain major concerns and challenges. The Jantjie prism, though predictably dismissed by some, offers a glimpse into some of the pressing challenges before the state. Considerable work remains to be done.

Finally, some have argued that Nelson Mandela’s memorial was, itself, a “fake event” whose only purpose was to create a scene for big names. Therefore, those “exposed” by Jantjie, were the state and noted names and elites who appeared at the ceremony. Now, there is nothing fake about honoring Madiba. Also, the government must be offered some credit for organizing such an event.

If anything, such unfortunate developments pointed to underlying issues, which are yet to be addressed. Yes, South Africa’s problem(s) emerge before the eyes of the world. A cue or two could be taken out of the Jantjie development, instead of reducing all to a circus. Yes, Janjie’s actions may not be fully rationalized.

Yes, some condemnation is necessary. Nonetheless, in a democratic South Africa, his voice counts. And he might have an important point or two towards a more fundamental national dialogue; dialogue which unfolds beyond stadia. Jantjie has the country talking at a critical time – a time when South Africans are approaching the 2014 general election.

*Tshweu Moleme is a research analyst with the BRICS Research Group at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto.

* THE VIEWS OF THE ABOVE ARTICLE ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR/S AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PAMBAZUKA NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM

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