Keeping South Africa Fit with Democrazy

In episode two of Democrazy on Sunday 27 January Masello Motana and Shimmy Isaac set out to discover what it means to have ‘free and fair’ elections and why that’s important.  After cycling several times around parliament and back Shimmy points out that keeping our democracy fit and healthy takes a lot of hard work and effort.  Our fearless explorers find those who are putting in the blood, sweat and tears to keep South Africa fit and healthy.  They see what goes on between elections and how we can measure democracy.
One thing that keeps an election free and fair is the secrecy of the vote.  A journalist demonstrates how the secrecy of the vote can be secured for blind people and gives the IEC tips for improving their current system. Lizzie launches her political party and takes to the streets to gather votes when she hears that funding depends on how much support you have.

Danny discovers the real demands of a sustainable democracy; not one where you vote and then sit back and wait for service delivery. In between elections you can prepare for by-elections or contribute in ways to the good governance of your ward by attending ward meetings, participating in local issues and generally making your opinion heard throughout the years and not just in the voting booth.  He says “for democracy to really work we need like-minded people who strive for communal aims, but think and vote as an individual”.

Democrazy airs on SABC2 Sundays at 21h00.