The problem with the current system is that the head of government is also the head of state. How often does Mbeki have to turn up and be accountable to parliament, a couple of times a year? In the UK the prime minister is there every week. He doesn't only have to deal with the opposition but his own party, because half of them were elected based on voter nominations and not party nominations and they're looking after their voters. Not too many countries share the SA system. Getting rid of a president who's both the head of government and the state looks really bad, but getting rid of just the head of government doesn't, that's just internal politics.
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The problem with the current system is that the head of government is also the head of state. How often does Mbeki have to turn up and be accountable to parliament, a couple of times a year? In the UK the prime minister is there every week. He doesn't only have to deal with the opposition but his own party, because half of them were elected based on voter nominations and not party nominations and they're looking after their voters. Not too many countries share the SA system. Getting rid of a president who's both the head of government and the state looks really bad, but getting rid of just the head of government doesn't, that's just internal politics.
semiautomatix
Honorary Master
Good point. Though Presidents (as head of state) are largely becoming merely ceremonial figures, which border on pointless, and instils the head of the legislature as de facto head of the executive. Gordon Brown, who is head of Parliament, also has many ranging executive powers. But I do agree, the system is based on Apartheid practice and should follow a separated approach to government and parliament. Of course, this is why we have a house speaker, as does congress.
Vrotappel
Bulls fan
He has been an utter and miserable failure and he will be remembered as such. Showerman will take it to new lows.