Compromised Democracy

About the Book

Lesley Boitumelo Chiloane’s “Compromised Democracy: The Not So Successful Side of Our Freedom” is an essay on the effects of the Democratic Government in South Africa. The author explains, “While I have no doubt in my mind that our democracy has surely been compromised, I however, have a question that continues to haunt me, which is whether is it the ordinary people’s version and definition of democracy and their expectations thereof that has been compromised or is it that our more than ten years experience of democracy has produced exactly what democracy by its basic form and definition should?” The piece discusses the election in 1994, which was a monumental event. “In 1994, most of us, especially black South Africans, if not all, voted for the African National Congress for many reasons. We wanted to ensure the transition of power from the white minority to black majority.” Notably, in the next election in 1999, “most people were complaining about how the ANC had failed to deliver on its promises.” Indications of the democracy benefiting the minority versus the majority were evident, according to the piece. Analysts explained that the ANC needed more time to make the changes, as stated in the essay. The author concludes, “Yes, indeed the last fourteen years have been filled with drama, tears, joy and excitement, and we owe it to ourselves as South Africans to celebrate that. Sustained economic growth, a strengthening currency, and social welfare for more people are just some of the positive developments we have to celebrate. However, I believe that we have the capacity, potential and ability to do more and we are not.” He also poetically finishes the book by say: “However negative it may seem to many of you out there, I find comfort in the last two paragraphs of Ehrmann’s Desiderata: “…You are the child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars, you have the right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and inspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy”. Don’t you feel good after reading this book? You must, this book had to be written, either by me or somebody else” This manuscript is designed to be a political discussion. It might appeal to readers who appreciate political pieces. You will also appreciate his conversational style of writing, he is talking to the reader, not writing a book for the reader to read.

About the Author

Lesley Boitumelo wa Chiloane is the last son in a family of five (four boys and one girl). Born in 1972 and brought up in Pretoria before moving to Johannesburg, Soweto in Meadowlands later where he developed passion for youth and community work while he was studying Engineering at a Technical College. Lesley is now an independent professional youth worker and consultant, boasting of more than ten years of experience in the field of Youth & Community Development in SA. In 2000 he started writing a self-titled column: 'Let's Talk to Les' and other articles for a variety of youth publications. As a youth worker some of the services he provided are facilitating training and capacity building programs, designing and managing projects, youth mentoring, developing training material etc. In 2006 he started a Multi-Media Co-operative business that amongst others published a newspaper named after his daughter Naledi-News. Amongst his most current business interests in recent years include and not limited to being a co-founder of an up-market five star restaurant, called ‘black’ in Johannesburg CBD (a chapter in his next book) and he runs a pub in Meadowlands called ‘blacklife cocktail café’. In this book, his debut book project, Lesley joins the rest of the country in celebrating the first fifteen Years of Democracy, by critically but in constructive & responsible way looking at the loopholes and shortcomings of our democracy.