I believe the ANC has lost the plot. Since coming back into power under President Mbeki, we have seen nothing but contradictions, scandals and inhouse bickering from the ANC. Under the current leadership, the ANC, as a party has lost all its dignity and the respect of South Africans on the large scale. Perhaps this is because after achieveing political freedom the so called cadres of the ANC relaxed and concerntrated on reaping the rewards, most of them financial and in the process rejected the principles of the Freedom Charter and the Constitution. The other mistake that they made was appointing people into government as rewards for loyalty to the party and not because they had the capacity to carry out the duties assosiated with their portfolios. This gave way to petty politics and allowed for loose canons and corrupt individuals to run our country. Personally, I think as South Africans we need to wake up and realise that our Democracy is at stake. We must understand that without sound multi-party politics and representation in government democray cannot survive. We must grow our smaller parties. Mbeki's government has failed us partly because of the lack of oversight and the attitude that the ANC is superior than government. If we don't act now it will be lights out not only in our homes and businesses but on our beloved and hard earned democracy.