"Political Lessons America Can Learn from South Africa"

Join Rich and me as we delve into the upcoming American elections, exploring the challenges and limitations of the two-party system.
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[@luthovellem865]

Never mind the elections. Let me just say both of you look 100% better than you did when you first arrived. You look comfortable and content and it shows.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Oh Lutho, you have hung in here with us, until we got it sorted😂 Thank you, friend❤

[@hopes9451]

True, that's what I've just noticed as well. They look more relaxed, chilled & happy! Love this family 🎉

[@MissSlenda]

Another bonus is our eldery & people with disabilities have 2 days before elections set out for them to go and vote, and on the big date, we start voting from 7am until 21:00 pm. People will go vote late and take the day to braai. We will be glued in front of our television until the counting is done. Some of us are very excited when it comes to elections because our political parties work very hard before elections to convince the citizens they are the best when they govern the country.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Wow, @ MissSlenda I could not even imagine such a thoughtful caring gesture. This could maybe happen on a smaller scale, like in a neighborhood but by no means would this be a national law❤

[@kaialeitham8202]

Cy- Villiam, I responded to your question two days ago. We're currently living in South Africa on a retired visa. We have investment properties in the United States, which provide the means for us to reside here and enjoy the country. We do not hold the exciting jobs you mentioned. There's no hidden motive; we're simply here to appreciate and enjoy your beautiful country. I do hope this answer is suitable for you and put this conversation to bed.

[@BongieBala]

You guys look so beautiful and glowing and I love the fact that you're feeling at home here in South Africa and we love you

[@kaialeitham8202]

Bongie Bala thank you for your very kind words and accepting us❤

[@joedlamini9735]

it absolutely makes sense to make the voting day a holiday to give effect to democracy. Also, another striking difference between USA and SA is the independence of the judiciary particularly the constitutional court.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Joe, you're absolutely right. At a minimum, Election Day should be a holiday. The politicization of our courts is indeed a major factor behind the rollback of important laws.❤

[@kagimanye1757]

Wow, listen to the details, I would really be stressed living in the US. We are such kind and supportive people I wouldn't survive with the all the restrictions and difficulties set out, that's too much

[@kaialeitham8202]

Oh Kagi Manye, it was beyond stressful, mainly because you don't know how people will respond to the results of the elections.

[@GrootManEiniqua]

South Africa’s also heading towards a coalition government, I’m expecting the current ruling party to fall well below 50%. I’m expecting them to get 42% at most, despite what they say. The only people that are going to vote for them this coming election are the Black elderly in rural areas and townships. I think the Black middle class will have great impact in the upcoming election and all the people that I’ve interacted with share the same sentiments of removing the current government. A lot of Black middle class people have had it with the current ruling party and are finding a home in parties such as PA, DA, IFP and ActionSA. Contrary to popular beliefs the Black middle class is not a small percentage of Black people that live in the suburbs, there are actually many Black middle class communities in township. These are people who care about the state of the economy and want to feel safe knowing that their Tax is going to the right places, so majority of them won’t be voting for parties like the ANC, EFF or MK. So a coalition government is where SA is heading, so we’ll see what’s in store.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Oh, wow. In the United States, the Green Party is striving to build a coalition that includes the working poor, the working class, labor unions, and BIPOC communities. I believe there's strength in numbers, so it will be interesting to see how this develops.❤

[@GrootManEiniqua]

@@kaialeitham8202 That would be interesting indeed. I’ve seen many parallels between South Africa and America. Historically and politically, and it seems that both countries are going to experience big change because the people have had enough. But I love what the gentleman has said concerning how people vote. There’s many people I’d enjoy having a beer with but I would never put them in charge of running a country, town or city. Leadership shouldn’t be a popularity contest, it should be about quality of living, but I’m not sure how many people understand that.

[@user-lg2ov9hq3n]

Why are you venting your one sided mind on our family, keep your anger to yourself and vote for the party of your choice, You are not Jesus and your prediction is full of hatred

[@abigailmndebele7892]

​@@GrootManEiniqua speak for yourself 😢 don't include all of us. Not all of us working class, educated melenated people are voting, the way you say will be voting.

[@GrootManEiniqua]

@@user-lg2ov9hq3n What are you talking about, there’s no anger in my statement? I was just adding a point about South Africa heading towards a coalition because everyone is unhappy with the current government, which is not false, we are heading towards a coalition and most SAns are unhappy with the current government. How is that a hateful thing to say? Perhaps I touched a nerve because I mentioned your political party?

[@peterairl102]

Good observation love it 🇿🇦❤️🇺🇸

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thanks for watching Peter❤

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thank you for sharing this, Donald. I will respectfully refrain from commenting directly. However, if I may offer my perspective as an outsider: When I would talk to Americans about why we moved to South Africa, I would often highlight how impressive it is what South Africa has achieved in such a short time compared to what Black Americans have been prevented from accomplishing in over 400 years. It underscores the idea that if the entire country is cared for, rather than just a select few, significant change is possible.

[@zusibone]

I registered on my cellphone. Confirmed dates and where I'll be voting. Over an above that I have the whole day to think and the greatest thing counting starts immediately after polls close and by morning it is done

[@mbusomhlongo579]

🤔🤯

[@kaialeitham8202]

Lutho, I wish I had a mic to drop for you 😅. I remember watching the infamous interview Mandela did with Ted Koppel-it's something I live for. I'm so glad we get to witness the continued growth of South Africa and its impact on the continent and globally.

[@siyabonganxumalo4574]

Beautiful bckground.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thank you Siyabonga, I think we finally figured out a good place to record😅❤

[@kaialeitham8202]

@Bongie Bala What a beautiful thing❤

[@kaialeitham8202]

Cy, I'm not sure why so many questions but we do not work in South Work. If you are looking for resources to move to SA you email me directly. My information is in the description.

[@nkazimulomnguni172]

I genuinely think we (SA) appear to have options but it also boils down to the top 3. Voting for smaller parties has the same effect as Rich described. But, this year is big for us because the ruling party is at risk of losing their majority just because the youth (majority of the demographic) is not pleased with service delivery. So maybe this year, than any other year, we will actually see a change in the makeup of our parliament.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Nkazimulo Mnguni thank you for explaining this❤ I think it's very telling that the youth in both countries may have a real impact on the direction each country goes❤

[@afroisme5750]

...do American Expats overseas vote? South African expats voted last week Saturday...London; l think about 20k voters; Washington, l think about 500, am not certain about Japan, Belgium and so forth...

[@kaialeitham8202]

Afro Isme that's incredible. Yes, we can vote from abroad.

[@tasneemmathee8024]

love ur insights with contrast in our election

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thank you TASNEEM MATHEE❤

[@tasneemmathee8024]

@@kaialeitham8202 and u welcome big watcher 4 the US election since 2000

[@sizwemsila8180]

Good analysis. Enkosi (Thank you in IsiXhosa)

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thank you Sizwe Msila❤

[@mariemieny5100]

The only problem with voting for a party, is that you can't choose the person (Jacob Zuma, case in point)! 😀

[@kaialeitham8202]

😅 Yes it most certainly should not be a popularity contest.

[@atlehangkereng9580]

Hi 👋 👋 family

[@kaialeitham8202]

Hello atlehang kereng❤

[@user-lg2ov9hq3n]

😮😮😮 But really 😮

[@henrygordon6808]

We've come a long way in SA. If you have time, try and watch the documentary on 1994 elections and the lead up to it. It was a different time then, much more violence. We as South Africans always feel like we don't have strong political leadership choices even though we have such a wide array of parties, but folllowing the US elections more closely now, there's even less of a choice as you mentioned. Maybe SA is not too bad in that sense. This year we're all hoping that the ANC will lose power, and who knows what will happen if that happens. Praying for peace in the coming weeks.

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thank you for the recommendation, Henry. We'll definitely check out the documentary. Having only America as a point of comparison for South Africa, we've become acutely aware of how the concept of "the land of the free" and democracy can often feel like a facade.

[@ronaldabuezubane7397]

As much as I am happy with our voting processes and procedures in South Africa, I hate politics and politicians. I wish we could find a way to do wothout them. They will say anything to get as much votes as possible. The biggest problem in South Africa is that the majority of people are relatively poor, and can be easily manipulated to get their big number of votes. So, many politicians focus on making promises to them, which they cannot keep, because they are not affordable. What then happens afterwards is protest after protest after protest of people demanding what they were promised.😢😢

[@kaialeitham8202]

Thanks for sharing Ronalda. This certainly resonates with me, the same happens in America, and alot of promises are not fulfilled❤.

[@donaldmacdonald9993]

What do you mean by the majority of SAns are poor? What is your threshold for poverty? You say the ruling party is not doing anything but you forget that, the same ruling party built 4.7 million houses with electricity and water and gave it for free to the poorest of the poor. It also provides free access to health care. The same ruling party has increased access to electricity from 33% before 1994 to 93% and provides many free kilowitts to the poorest of the poor. The government provides free tertiary education and subsistence allowance to tertiary students. To alleviate poverty the government you criticise provides social grants to the elderly and children of those who earn less. Unemployed are given stipend to look for employment. The government is also subsiding the lower middle class with affordable social houses for rental and purchase as a result of these government interventions the government has reduced homelessness to 9%. Over the next ten years the number will be reduced to 5%. This government with all its faults is the most caring and transparent government on the continent and that is why most Africans would prefer to be in SA than anywhere in the world. The ruling party will still win the elections because it has the track record of looking after its people. Remember before 1994 only 38% had access to clean drinking water and 92% has access to clean potable water

[@mariemieny5100]

Oh and don't be scared of the elections - its the best day for all to be out and about.. and you get to meet people in your community! ;-) We bring our deck chairs with and a sarmie in a cooler box! hahahaha!

[@kaialeitham8202]

Marie, after being her a short while I have to say I'm not concerned at all. I'm quite jealous of South Africa's civility in the lead up to elections and the activities you do the day of the elections.❤😅

[@BongieBala]

​@@kaialeitham8202election day is like a holiday in South Africa we celebrate it, unlike in some countries where there's civil unrest on election day

[@chrisvandeventer9195]

What most Americans and British don't understand when it comes to elections is proportional representation. In UK and USA if you live in a safe seat your vote means nothing. With proportional representation almost every vote counts

[@kaialeitham8202]

This is very true Chris!

[@Mongusta]

"You are not going to have a guy you have a beer with be your pilot, or surgeon, etc" 😀😀, i thought that was telling. I hope Saffricans are listening because somehow in their wanting to be Western they think voting for a person is better, it clearly doesnt bring continuity!!! Nica vid!

[@kaialeitham8202]

Lol I hope not SLK, you see how well that has served America lol

[@kagimanye1757]

If you follow our politics, our climate always changes and evolves, reasons for voting 10 years are different to reasons for voting today

[@Mongusta]

@@kagimanye1757 i guess US politics are static !

[@kimkaans1072]

A democracy is the ability to choose your own dictator 😵‍💫☺️

[@kaialeitham8202]

This part!

[@biggeststeppa1]

The big problem with South African politics is that people think political parties are football teams. They don't get that you should not vote for a party, rather vote for a party's track record, failing that, vote for its policies. You have a lot of very smart people voting against their own interests purely out of ignorance.

[@kaialeitham8202]

@laundelljordan This resonates deeply. A significant portion of the Republican party often votes against their self-interest, primarily to prevent other groups from accessing benefits like healthcare, among other things.

[@Seeta_sa_gauta]

I wish people could vote based on policy and scrutinize the characters that champion those policies. Democratic elections are full of uncertainty, comedy and drama . At the end of the day it is a much ado about nothing.

[@Seeta_sa_gauta]

Nowadays I love seeing people being politically engaged. Because there is no political party that I completely agree with 😂

[@kaialeitham8202]

I agree, there is no party I 100% agree with❤

[@zusibone]

Same here 😂😂😂😂 we are a mess. I don't know who to vote for but I'm voting trust me.

[@kaialeitham8202]

I know that's right Soso😅❤

[@luthovellem865]

Elections are a big deal in both the US and SA. The dynamics are strangley very similar. 1. US- largest and most developed economy in the world 2. SA- largest and most developed economy in Africa (30th in the world) 3. US, history of racial segregation 4. South Africa, history of racial segregation 5. US, immigration and immigration laws are a big deal 6. SA immigration and immigration laws are a big deal 7. Highly competetive in both countries and highly charge in both countries 8. Generally peaceful in both countries 9. US, federal states have greater autonomy from national government 10. SA, Unitary state with a few legislative powers relegated to provinces 11. US- Governer 12. SA -Premier Here is the strangest thing to reveal to you lovely South African Americans. Donald Trump had the least negetive impact on the African continent of all US presidents. He did not sanction any African country and did not invade any African country. Every other president before him, including Obama invaded and killed an African. He might be a devisive and polarising figure in domestic politics but he certainly did not harm the continent in any way. The only thing he did was insult SA and call it a sh$t hole. We took NO offense from his racist bigotry because he had never been to the country and ofcourse South Africans insulted him back. Apart from that jibe there really isnt anything else the man did to the continent.

[@kaialeitham8202]

I must admit, somewhat selfishly, that I'm relieved to hear that the influence of that awful racist man did not extend to the Continent. I sometimes worry that South Africa's decision to stand firmly by its principles, without being intimidated by America, might come with consequences. Lastly, thank you for highlighting the similarities between the two countries. Beyond our shared history of racism, that’s usually where I draw comparisons as well❤

[@luthovellem865]

​@@kaialeitham8202The hard line South African positions are not new and the US government knows it. Mandela himself took the exact same positions in relation to US foreign policy particularly with regards to Palestine and Cuba. The US and SA though do agree on a number of fundamental areas. It's just that SA knows its strength in relation to the African economy and political structure and this we use to install and propagate the sovereignty of the country. This exercise also bolsters the identities and confidence of all other African countries. SA has also made the correct decision of reducing reliance on Europe and the US in building solid trade ties with the East, Russia and the rest of the world. In an increasingly multipolar world, American sanctions and punishment is becoming less impactful.

[@zusibone]

Contrary to your sanitization of Trump presidency. Trump incentivised closure GM MOTORS plant in South Africa. We saw Chevrolet lines closed in South Africa and they lost a huge market in South Africa. GM divested from South Africa. They lost revenue by the way but the stimulus from Trump benefitted share buy backs of shareholders in US. Trump also did not Forster any Africa Trade relations. The fight between China and US affected markets deeply. Trumps inaction in dealing with the pandemic literally plunged all of us into a global recession. Trump was just misplaced and nothing good came out of that mess.

[@user-lg2ov9hq3n]

USA has the biggest population more than 🇿🇦 so why there is only two strong political parties in USA

[@kaialeitham8202]

Exactly Sipho Mkize and there is very little difference between the parties❤

[@cy-villian]

May I enquire as to what businesses you are involved in?

[@kaialeitham8202]

In the States, I was a realtor and Rich was a financial analyst.

[@cy-villian]

@@kaialeitham8202 Appreciate your response. So are you now both not working in South Africa, retired or working remotely? Thanks

[@cy-villian]

Hello. Appreciate the 'heart' and still keen to know what you and your husband are doing to keep yourselves busy (work wise) in South Africa?

[@cy-villian]

So you will share pretty much every detail of your lives on your very public KZbin channel but will not answer the question as to what exactly you are dong in our country. Something tells me that either you or your husband are involved with the Universities or an NGO / NPO or perhaps even encouraging more Americans to move here. I may be wrong but it is a very common trend.

[@Seeta_sa_gauta]

What if you are sponsored by the pharmaceuticals and coal industry? 😂

[@kaialeitham8202]

Could you imagine those brandings lol

[@Thetalkwithshay]

I moved in 2022 to Paarl from Hermanus so I didn't register in time so I probably won't be able to vote...

[@kaialeitham8202]

Oh no Shay, sorry to hear this❤

[@Praslin]

You can still cast your NATIONAL VOTE

[@user-lg2ov9hq3n]

USA has the biggest population more than 🇿🇦 so why there is only two strong political parties in USA