Too few entrepreneurs, too many political parties

SOUTH Africa is home to over 400 registered political parties - a staggering number for a country of just over 60 million people. At first glance, this might appear to be a hallmark of a vibrant, participatory democracy.

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In reality, it is a symptom of a deeper malaise — a society where too many people, often unemployed and lacking in economic opportunity, turn to politics not out of ideological conviction or a desire to serve, but as a means of personal survival and upward mobility. The proliferation of political parties is not a sign of a healthy democracy. It is a reflection of economic desperation and the failure of our society to channel ambition into productive, wealth-generating avenues. The alarming number of political entrepreneurs - many with no track record of leadership, business, or service — should concern us all. Instead of building companies, creating jobs, or innovating solutions to real-world problems, many individuals see politics as the only viable path to relevance, income, and influence.

Career of last resort