And these threats also have resonance here in South Africa."
Gentle says that events such as President Jacob Zuma's appointment of Menzi Simelane as head of Public Prosecutions, and of Willem Heath to replace Willie Hofmeyer, as well as fears arise from the Protection of Information Bill, otherwise known as the "Secrecy Bill", all have strengthened perceptions that democracy is under threat. "And so," Gentle says, "when Zuma and ANC secretary general, Gwede Mantashe raise the question of the courts becoming the new opposition to the ruling party, then the hysteria level amongst certain sections of the public goes up, as the picture of a growing threat to democracy becomes clearer."
"Whilst Zuma's coterie of sycophants and the Secrecy Bill are threats to democracy," Gentle says, "there are also threats coming from an entirely different quarter - one which we are all being uncritically invited to be part of. This is the notion that elected politicians are simply not fit to govern and that technical experts and bewigged judges are better [...] Of course everyone hates politicians, but what does this mean for democracy?" Gentle asks, adding that there is a growing middle class tide of celebrating the courts as the bastion of defence of democracy. "Instead of seeking technocratic and judicial saviours," he says "we need to accept responsibility for the current unchallenged status of the ANC and for the compliant nature of its alliance partners, and build a new movement of expanded democracy.
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