Libertarianism in South Africa

Libertarianism in South Africa is not represented by a distinct political party.

Totalitarian history

South Africa under apartheid had the following characteristics of a totalitarian state:

  • heavy state regulation of nearly every aspect of public and private life.
  • maintained political power by means of an official all-embracing ideology (apartheid) and propaganda
    • Swart gevaar
    • Rooi gevaar
  • state-controlled mass media
  • control over the economy
  • regulation and restriction of free discussion and criticism
  • widespread use of terror tactics

Since moving towards a constitutional democracy, more freedom was available to the majority of the people. Particularly the ideology of apartheid was discredited.

This freedom has been negatively affected by recent moves by the African National Congress, undermining constitutional structures, such as the National Prosecuting Authority, the judiciary, and the National Directorate of Special Operations (aka. the Scorpions) .

Today, South Africa under the African National Congress has the following characteristics of a totalitarian state:

  • heavy state regulation of nearly every aspect of public and private life.
  • maintained political power by means of an official all-embracing ideology (BEE,All leavers of power) and propaganda
    • Black Economic Empowerment
  • state-controlled mass media
  • widespread use of terror tactics

Helen Suzman

Helen Suzman has been notable in her pursuit and achievement of the libertarian ideal of freedom in South Africa. However she officially carries the label of liberal.

Liberals and Libertarians

Within South Africa the distinction between liberals and libertarians is more subtle than elsewhere. . Essentially all libertarians have worked under the banner of liberal and the history of the two is indistinguishable. However political moves by the political vehicle of the DP merging with the NNP left moderated the libertarian leanings of the party. Recently the NNP defected to the ANC. Recent commentators have indicated that the DA is returning to its liberal roots.

It has been argued that the DA's privatization stance is most in line with libertarian ideals.

History

  • South African Liberal Party

See also

  • Liberalism in South Africa
  • South African Liberal Party
  • Alan Paton