Our beautiful country is saddled with a useless and criminal government. How else to describe it? Corruption runs so deep in the ANC it will take another generation for the real perpetrators to be held accountable. 

That's if the next generation's eyes are opened by then.

No, I fear it would need drastic measures to unseat the wayward party; as well as political will and gumption from the opposition-at-large being the starting point.

How about this for a plan? First off, create a working committee made up of all opposition leaders in the 11 provinces. Even if it causes bloodletting, it's vital they sacrifice the parties for a single one. Going it alone or forming coalitions never worked.
And call it the SA Party. No frills and smart-ass slogans. 

Then draw up a manifesto of practical and sustainable policies. Oh, and erase the words gender and race from the vocabulary. Qualifications and competency the only criteria for holding office.

Armed with this manifesto, approach the business sector, judiciary, South African Police Services, Defence Force and religious groups up front and get their input and support. Undoubtedly also these institutions are sickened by a failed government and would accept any lifeline, especially coming from a strong united political front.

Then the crux around which the plan revolves. Hold public conventions in large stadiums in all 11 provinces on the same day; each leader emphasising important aspects of the manifesto and highlighting the government's weaknesses. State it calmly without the histrionics of an American holy roller. 

The message must reach and be understood by the masses. Here the media play a vital role. Eleven packed stadiums alone warrant widespread coverage; a united opposition taking on a failed government so much more! Imagine our nation on a roll that's had enough of government ruining what should have been the happy, thriving rainbow nation envisaged by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

During the proceedings, announce a call for candidates to stand in future elections. The charged and optimistic atmosphere would attract willing recruits to embark on a political career helping to get their country back on track. A win-win situation.

Just think, the SA Party on the ballot paper. Admittedly, a pipe dream. But how else to break the logjam of ever-increasing rotting and dead wood?

* The opinions and sentiments expressed are those of the writer, and not necessarily of Group Editors, publishers of this newspaper.