Monthly Archives: October 2019

The British economy has undergone major changes in the last 30 years, excelling in various areas while crippling others, such as construction, mining and manufacturing. Subsequently, this has placed the root of power in the hands of the capital, propelling the economic growth of South-East England to new heights through nurturing the latest innovations. This ultimately solidified the UK as a flourishing knowledge economy and global player for technological advancements. However, other areas once considered the backbone of the British economy, fuelled by traditional and practical skills, dwindled in obscurity.

Now with Brexit uncertainty leaving a country divided, this poses the question of whether businesses can continue to rely on recruiting talent overseas or instead rely heavily on the talent pool here. Currently, there are more than 11.9 million people aged 65 and over in the UK, and with some arguing the state pension age should be raised to 75, older people are becoming more readily available to continue working or step back into the workforce. However, as the economy focus shifts to utilising technology in order to propel various industries to heights, many traditional skills are proving obsolete. Because of this, many organisations worry about whether hiring older talent is worthwhile. What was once a clear path to a better quality of life through traditional learning has been mystified by the disruption of technology, and the saturated job market is filled with candidates with acquired skills proven outdated in the digital age.

However, once considered a hindrance to the ageing population, technology has the potential to bridge the gap between the seasoned worker and the savvy millennial with a start-up attitude.

Let's take a look in more detail.

As the UK population continues to age, the choice between continuous personal economic growth or personal wellbeing through retirement has become difficult for many. Seasoned workers must continue to work to ensure they maintain a better quality of life, so employers must consider different options to take advantage of older employees in the workplace. According to a recent report by Deloitte, organisations are already looking at different strategies to equip their workforce with the right tools as emerging technologies continue to rise.

Currently, tax preparations fate is almost certainly sealed with a 99% chance of being automated, leaving many peoples skillsets and jobs under threat by the fast-paced nature of technologically advanced industries.

This has driven many Human Resources (HR) departments to accommodate valued older employees by bringing a fresh approach to reskilling and upskilling through the power of technology. If implemented correctly, this could potentially eliminate labour exclusion, driven by outdated training programmes and software, as well as subsequently thwarting ageism in the workplace in a digital world.

Data analytics has already proven its value across many industries and has already propelled many businesses by providing key insight and market edge against their competitors. An example of this can be seen within the booming Fintech industry and its recent success of robo-advisors, showcasing how data can be leveraged to deliver compelling customer experiences. Now, HR departments can utilise this by collecting and analysing data collected within their organisations to not only personalise training programmes but also to spot specific skills gaps to meet the firms talent requirements. It can also be leveraged to pre-empt new skill sets necessary to drive the business forward. Key insight taken from the data can also give HR a clearer understanding of what areas employees struggle with, and what resources are needed to eliminate the risk of a complacent and antiquated workforce.

Personalisation has proven paramount in customer experiences, but it has the potential to greatly enhance employee experiences, especially for businesses undergoing digital transformation. Overhauling internal processes is a critical time for businesses and the people within it, and must not be taken lightly. The best method for minimal disruption during upskilling and reskilling is utilising an AI-powered vendor specialising in providing training solutions that can be tailored for the entire organisation.

A football coach continuously optimises his training strategy against changing opponents to curate a more valuable and adept team. The same can be implemented for organisations who wish to stay ahead of the curve, by continuously adapting and improving their learning and development strategy based on demand.

Lifelong learning reaps many benefits that can not only help upskill but empower your workforce. Seasoned employees can be invaluable and help educate their younger peers, and this must not be taken for granted. Creating a culture of cross-generational working, with workers who mentor and exchange knowledge with one another, is key to ensuring your employees have the key skills needed to excel against recurring challenges. On the flip side of this, younger employees can empower older employees with the knowledge necessary to pivot in a digital workplace.

One way this can be achieved is through an AI-powered Learning Platform taking a different approach to knowledge-sharing that can be integrated seamlessly between multiple employees on a single interface. This enables a full knowledge trail which is accessible to everyone within the organisation. It also allows for easy information sharing as well as making it easier to develop and learn new skills as new job requirements emerge. By leveraging an organisational memory, the platform can ensure businesses are not losing out on critical skills to competitors.

Businesses with a keen interest in utilising an older workforce can leverage a platform of this nature for employee empowerment and personalising Learning and Development (L&D) programmes, so key learning can be digested easily. Not only this, it can also be embedded into workflows, enabling continuous learning for professional and personal development.

In this economic climate, one thing is clear; in order to attract and retain top talent, innovative solutions must be deployed to upskill talent efficiently during the age of technology.

____________

Are you a recognised expert in your field? At Euronews, we believe all views matter. Contact us at view@euronews.com to send pitches or submissions and be part of the conversation.

Originally posted here:

Longer lives mean seasoned employees will need help to adjust to digital workplaces View - Euronews

Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez found herself facing a social media backlash Tuesday afternoon, after she posted an Instagram story in which she used the n-word.

Rodriguez has since deleted the video and apologized in a follow-up Instagram story, which many dismissed as insincere. That story, which remains live on her profile, was followed by a second, more emotional apology Instagram text post. Neither apology satisfied skeptical viewers, however, whose side-eyeing at the actress is inspired by Rodriguezs history of making statements that seemed to paint her as having a less-than-respectful attitude toward black people. Consequently, many black social media users have taken Tuesdays n-word incident as concrete evidence that the actor is anti-black.

In the now-deleted post, Rodriguez, who has Puerto Rican heritage, was rapping along with the Fugees song Ready or Not including a line in which vocalist Lauryn Hill sings the n-word, a major breach of etiquette on Rodriquezs part.

Social media users quickly lambasted the video, flooding Twitter with negative reactions and advice for the actress:

Rodriguez quickly deleted the offending post and replaced it with what was deemed a backhand non-apology by many. I am sorry if I offended anyone by singing along to The Fugees, to a song I love that I grew up on, she said. But onlookers pointed out that she didnt actually apologize for using the racial slur, making the post seem patronizing and disingenuous.

The gotcha! vibe was strong on Twitter, where Rodriguez became a trending topic, with many users literally reacting with variants of we finally got you, alluding to the actors history of controversial moments regarding race.

Meanwhile, supporters of Rodriguez lamented cancel culture for claiming someone over what they viewed as either a clear overreaction or an inconsistently applied moral standard:

Rodriguez updated her Instagram on Wednesday with an additional, fuller apology, this time writing that she thoughtlessly sang along and that whatever consequences I face for my actions today, none will be more hurtful than the personal remorse I feel. She said that the word I sang carries with it a legacy of hurt and pain that I cannot even imagine, and added that it is a much deserved lesson ... I have some serious learning and growing to do and I am so deeply sorry for the pain I have caused.

But many social media users are just as unmoved by this second apology as by the first. Though many of Rodriguezs fans were supportive, many upset observers were quick to point out that this is just the latest in several incidents in which Rodriguez seemed to dismiss black issues.

Wariness of Rodriguezs attitudes toward race dates back to 2017, when Rodriguez tweeted, in what seemed to be an implicit response to the predominantly black cast of the Marvel film Black Panther, to ask where the Latinx actors were in such blockbusters.

Marvel and DC are killing it in inclusion and women but where are the Latinos?! Asking for a friend... Rodriguez tweeted in July 2017. The tweet has since been deleted.

Fast forward to September 2018, when Rodriguez raised eyebrows again during a press run for the animated film Smallfoot. When Rodriguez and her co-star Yara Shahidi spoke with entertainment journalist Blogxilla, Blogxilla commented to Shahidi that she was an inspiration to so many Black women.

So many women, Rodriguez interjected, at which point Blogxilla, who is black, explained that for black women, we need people on a whole nother level. Many critics interpreted Rodriguezs comment as an attempt to co-opt a conversation about black identity.

The interview sparked conversations and speculation about Rodriguezs seemingly critical views on empowerment of black people in the industry. Those conversations continued the following month, when Rodriguez co-hosted, with the Latina actor America Ferrera, a Latina power lunch whose attendees were noticeably light-skinned; with the exception of Rosario Dawson, it appeared that no Afro-Latina women were present, raising questions about how many the two hosts had actually invited.

Then, in November 2018, Rodriguez incorrectly claimed while participating in a roundtable discussion about diversity and pay equity in Hollywood that black and Asian actresses are paid more in Hollywood than Latina actresses. At the time Rodriguez made the claim, the highest-paid actress on television was a Latina actress Modern Familys Sofia Vergara while only one black woman, Scandals Kerry Washington, made the list of TVs highest-paid women.

In response to the backlash she received for this error, Rodriguez subsequently appeared on the radio show Sway in the Morning, where she tearfully described the reaction as devastating. But then she went one step further by describing her father as dark-skinned, rather than apologizing for the mistake, in a speech that many read as tone-deaf:

The black community was the only community I looked towards growing up. We didnt have many Latino shows, and the black community made me feel like I was seen. To get [called] anti-black is [like] saying Im anti-family. My father is dark-skinned, hes Afro-Latino. My cousins Puerto Ricans are African, Taino, and Spaniard, and its in my blood. So that was devastating to me. And I know my heart. I know what I meant. And I really wish we werent living in a culture where were clickbait, because Ive never said anything controversial about anybody.

Rodriguezs father, Gino Rodriguez, is a well-known boxing referee, and some found Rodriguezs description of him as dark-skinned to be a stretch.

Others pointed out that Rodriguez seemed unwilling to simply say she was wrong and apologize.

It was a theme that resurfaced after this weeks n-word incident, when many fans not only read her apology as insincere but also voiced the frustration that not only do these types of moments keep happening, but that Rodriguez seems unwilling or unable to learn why they are hurtful.

But as many people were also quick to point out, the rumors swirling about Rodriguezs anti-black sentiments have yet to hurt her career; Netflix cast her as the lead in its reboot of Carmen Sandiego, and she starred in the Netflix rom-com Something Great earlier this year.

The latest incident seems to have sparked a larger conversation about Rodriguezs controversial past comments regarding race. But if her latest apology is anything to go by, its also created a new opportunity for Rodriguez a chance to listen and learn.

Read the original here:

Gina Rodriguez apologizes, amid backlash, for saying the N-word - Vox.com

Tame Impala,Currents (2015)

The Australian bands third studio album Currents was written, recorded and produced by lead Kevin Parker. It marks a shift from Tame Impalas former psychedelic rock tracks to more electric and pop-inspired pieces. The 80s synthetic sounds feel inspired by Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees, and it seems that Parker appreciated the simplicity of pop and decided to let the music speak for itself rather than layering and complicating sounds. This kind of idea is embodied by tracks like Yes, Im Changing, and the 7-minute opener Let it Happen, where the sound captures the emotions just as powerfully as the vocals. This clean sound, however, requires meticulous scrutiny over each track. While recording the album, Parker did 1,003 different vocals on Cause Im a Man until he perfected it. Its this obsessive crafting that makes Currents a standout in the decade.

Lorde,Pure Heroine(2013)

This album made Lorde the superstar she is today. In Pure Heroine, she captures the feeling of growing up (because the 16-year-old was going through it, just like us). With tracks like 400 Lux, Tennis Court and Ribs, she paints a picture of life in the suburbs where the houses dont change, but you do. She describes the imminent doom of adulthood: Were reeling through the midnight streets [] it feels so scary getting old. In Royals, friendship and love replaces the islands [and] tigers on a gold leash that pop materialism emphasizes. Her sharp, wise lyrics capture the hope for adulthood that coexists with the nostalgia for childhood in ones teens.

Kacey Musgraves,Golden Hour(2018)

Spacey Kacey is now a favorite even amongst people that claim to avidly dislike country, thanks to the power of her most recent album, Golden Hour. In her third studio album, Musgraves leaves her distinctive mark on country, starting with the opening track Slow Burn. Im gonna do it my way, itll be alright, she sings. She incorporates electronic and pop sounds inspired by ABBA and Madonna with traditional country to make what she describes as cosmic country (hence the nickname). Tracks like High Horse feature synthesizer and loops that are disco-inspired. In many ways, Musgraves becomes a Space Cowboy, navigating the uncharted territory that lies between distinct music genres.

Rihanna,ANTI (2016)

In retrospect, ANTI feels like a precursor to the new Rihanna: a wildly successful and powerful entrepreneur. She opens her eighth studio album with I got to do things my own way darling [] why you aint ever let me grow? in Consideration featuring SZA. In the album, she does exactly that grow. In an interview with MTV, she emphasizes her need to make something that felt real, that felt soulful, that felt forever. No longer is she making dance and pop hits like Pon de Replay or Dont Stop the Music from the early 2000s. Instead she belts about love in Higher and in the sweet Love on the Brain track. She doesnt forget the lows of love either; loneliness and disappointment come through in Desperado and Needed Me. The power in her voice and newfound freedom in writing honest music empowers both Rihanna and her listeners.

Kanye West,MyBeautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy(2010)

This album is just as complex as the artist behind it. It simultaneously explores Kanyes vulnerability and ego in extremes that often play out in real life, usually on his Twitter account. MDTBF follows the loss of his mom and (first) Taylor Swift scandal. It is jam-packed with features like those found on Monster, which includes Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver, Jay-Z and Rick Ross. Even so, Kanye leads the pack, never getting lost in the collaborations. He combines rap and pop in a way that changed the coming decade, making way for more experimental, layered beats and use of sampling. The sound transports the listeners into Kanyes fantasy, a world overwhelmed by the dark realities of fame and power. I guess every superhero needs his theme music but in this fantasy, the hero can also be the villain.

Lana Del Rey, Norman F**king Rockwell (2019)

NFR! exists in between the past and future of the singer, hope and nostalgia and love and heartbreak. The line between extremes is embodied in Love Song, where she describes how she would sacrifice anything to make her lover proud. Following Cinnamon Girl, Del Rey then says of the one that holds her without hurting her: youd be the first who ever did. The most powerful track is the final one: hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me but I have it. She told BAAZAR she has hope in the future because things have been confusing for a long time, whether its politically, culturally, or personally. Her lyrics and emphasis on each syllable make the listener question themselves and where they exist between these binaries.

Frank Ocean,Blonde (2016)

Duality permeates every aspect of Frank Oceans second album. Even the title of the album cannot escape it; its listed as Blonde on streaming services, but the album art says Blond. He traces his past and its effect on his future; hardships he has faced, whether in relationships or with family, are connected by rough nights in the track with the same name. On the album, he exists as a rapper and a soft singer, his tone mirrored by the atmospheric, emotional melodies. Its deeply personal like a diary, where introspection is essential. He aches to explore the world while still wanting to settle down in White Ferrari. Clearly this isnt all that there is, he croons. The paradoxes Ocean explores within his memories, strengthened by his wordplay and R&B pop sound, are why many consider this to be the greatest soft album of all time.

Kendrick Lamar,To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

Following the success of good kid, m.A.A.d city, Lamar released his second studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly. Jazz, soul and funk influence this work more so than any of his previous projects, including instrumental and production features from Thundercat and Kamasi Washington. The album not only fuses genres but also styles; it mixes together songs with a spoken word poem, in which Kendrick is talking to 2Pac. Kendrick unpacks his sense of self, and delves into themes of violence, race and politics. To do so, he makes powerful references to fictional characters like the resilient Kunta Kinte, a slave who tried to escape in the novel Roots. Being a black man, Ive been called many things but its taking that negativity and being proud of it and making it your own, Lamar said to MTV. Other references come through the poem; at the end of Alright, he addresses 2Pac and how both of them faced the pressures of being a cultural force, through which he contemplates self-love and hate.

Adele, 21 (2011)

Adeles sophomore album brought powerful, belted ballads into the 10s. The project is defined by the heartache and vulnerability that ensues after a breakup. She asserts her anger in tracks like Set Fire to the Rain, and even mocks her ex on Rumour Has It. Against the simple piano melody, she wistfully reminisces the glory days of her past relationship in her hit single Someone Like You. Released before this was the single Rolling in the Deep, which Adele describes as gospel disco. It set the stage for the aforementioned power ballad, as well as her next albums Hello. In each track, the conviction of her melancholic voice leaves a deep impression on the listener. She paints the story of a heartbroken young woman looking back but also in love again, like on One and Only. For this reason, the artist left an impression on this decades pop (and will continue to remain one of the only CDs I have left).

Beyonc,Lemonade (2013)

I was served lemons, but I made lemonade. Beyoncs second visual album and sixth studio release is unlike anything she has ever done before. The artist, who is typically private when it comes to personal matters, made an album that fully delved into her vulnerability following the infidelity of her husband. Lemonade bares it all and Beyonc explores her identity as a black woman through a dynamic blend of rock, R&B, country and pop. Its release was accompanied by a 65-minute film on HBO, followed by her historical Coachella performance documentary, Homecoming. In Lemonade, Beyonc remains the superstar she is, but also becomes infinitely more like one of us. The lyrics and straining tone encompass loss in Sandcastles, anger in Dont Hurt Yourself and empowerment in Freedom and Formation. Beyonc does not limit herself in this album, just as she will not allow anyone else to limit her. In this way, her vulnerability pales in comparison to her strength: I am the dragon breathing fire, beautiful mane, Im the Lion.

Original post:

Rewind the 2010s: Best Albums of the Decade - Fordham Ram

Who would have thought that something as visually stimulating as beauty rituals and makeup application would have such a huge following when just being spoken about? But then again, none of us predicted the success of shopping for something as tactile as a beauty product online. We live and learn. In the case of podcasts, we listen and learn. Our favourite podcasts about beauty cover everything from wellness and self-care routines to reviews and advice on how to set up and run a business in the beauty industry. The ones weve chosen to talk about here have been highlighted for being comprehensive and fairly inclusive conversations, with smart product picks and interesting stories. Scroll ahead for our edit of the best beauty podcasts you need to listen to right now

This frank and personal conversation about beauty is hosted by beauty editors (and friends) Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein, who judge and analyse the goings-on within the industry both for their day jobs and their podcasting side hustle. You can expect hilarious personal anecdotes (theres great banter in here), travel stories, product recommendations and interviews with heavyweights like Gucci Westman and Frederic Malle.

If youre interested in honest details and dont really like to quibble with small talk, this podcast and host is perfect for you. Beauty journalist Sali Hughes gets on with her no-nonsense take on beauty, breaking down processes, products and procedures in the attempt to improve transparency in the beauty world. Shes not standing up for anything disingenuous or frothy, so it's not just easy listening. But if youre looking for answers to the questions at the back of your mind, you have to listen.

Hosted by Emma Gunavardhan, a broadcaster and writer, this is one of the most popular podcasts around. Beauty news, reviews, special guestsits all in here. There are a generous number of episodes dealing with various aspects of mental health, with narratives from sufferers as well as problem solvers and advisors. Gunavardhan herself was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and she shares her journey frankly, empowering her listeners enough to power six million downloads.

Jules von Hep and Sarah Powells podcast is important because of its powerful message of empowerment and body confidence. The two hosts remind us that we all encounter wobbles in life and that its OK. They do so with guests like iconic makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes and super inclusive disruptive influencer Deepica Mutyala, who spoke about how her dark circles shot her to fame, and her responsibility towards representing women of colour.

Are you always looking for the science behind your skincare but dont know who to ask? Say hello to scientists Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller (two lone male voices in the universe of beauty podcasts), who break down the molecules and claim to give you some hard facts. Youll hear deeply philosophical questions like whether Coca-Cola can give a better sun tan, and whether you should use skin cream made out of your own blood.

YouTuber Lalonde has evolved into an agony aunt of sorts, with a podcast led by questions sent in by her audience and listeners. She curates each show with a guest to tackle the questions that deal with everything from meditation and cervical screening to body positivity and CBD. It's evident that no thought is off limits, so get ready for impromptu tangents and inspiring anecdotes.

This isnt the beauty podcast you expect, but it is the podcast you needI mean, you do need to know about pelvic floor exercises with external weights and how best to oil up your butt. Comedian Jackie Johnson is the girl we all want to bea funny smarty pants who talks beauty and wellness with no holds barred. More of this please.

6 fun and informative podcasts that every new mom is sure to love

8 engaging podcasts to make rush-hour traffic that much more bearable

11 wellness podcasts that will inspire, motivate and relax you

See the original post:

7 great beauty podcasts you should be listening to while getting ready in the morning - VOGUE India

"Living in the city or being in an office, you don't get to see that beauty of nature," says Amanda Kidd, who took up hiking during a turbulent time in her life.

"It's just magical you just see things in a different perspective.

* Guide only. Actual kJ/hr will depend on many factors, including age, muscle mass, and effort.

"I had a breakup and my whole world sort of turned upside down so, it was like nature therapy for me, being out in the wilderness.

"I got quite into it, in terms of going out on my own and just finding trails and walking through them."

Walking (and hiking) can be taken up by people of all age groups and fitness levels.

It's free and if you keep up a good pace, it's great exercise.

It also provides you with an opportunity to get to know your neighbourhood, local parks, bushland or mountains like no other sportsperson.

Even a walk around suburban streets can become more of a workout if you incorporate hills or stairs.

But for Amanda, there was nothing like the lure of an outdoor hike. After a few years, she took it to the next level and conquered Tasmania's nine-day South Coast Track.

"[I] didn't know what I was signing myself up for," she says.

"It was my first experience of having to carry a full pack and just being out without civilisation."

Despite the challenges, hiking has provided Amanda with a new-found sense of wellbeing and empowerment.

"Being on top of a mountain, you feel like you're on top of the world and you've conquered it," she says.

"It just brings you back to reality and what's important in life."

A walk in nature can clear your head, bring you in touch with nature, and even improve your relationship with your partner, writes Rebecca Huntley.

Walking has also given Amanda the opportunity to develop her strength and cardio while doing something she loves.

"It's a real all-over-body workout." she says.

"Physically, I'm stronger, mentally I'm stronger just from exercising regularly and [being] out in nature."

For those who are struggling to take the first step, Amanda's advice is to simply put on your walking shoes and take on a small trail with a friend.

"You don't need much, just give it a go. Find some easy trails [and] work your way up to it," she says.

"If you've organised to go with someone, you've got to turn up. That's a good way of getting yourself out there."

Whether you're just starting to explore walks around you, or want to take your hikes to the next level, here's how to make them enjoyable and safe.

You can walk anywhere, anytime, solo or in a group, on the flat or over hills and even indoors, on a treadmill, if you need to.

Like what you're reading? Sign up forthe ABC Life newsletter to see more

We thank Dr Tracy Kolbe-Alexander, of the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Southern Queensland, and Nardine Presland of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, for their expert input.

This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.

This story, which was originally written by Maryke Steffens and published by ABC Health and Wellbeing, was updated in 2019.

More:

Walking can be a full cardio and wellbeing experience - ABC Local

Elections are moments of reckoning. They can either project a party onto a new trajectory or force a party into introspection.

South Africas main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has experienced both scenarios in the last two decades. In the 1999 elections it increased its support by almost 8%. For the next 14 years until 2016 the DA consistently increased its support in all the elections. Then in 2019 the tide turned and the party lost about 1.5% at the polls. This saw it losing five parliamentary seats, bringing its number of MPs down to 84 in the 400 seat National Assembly.

A year before the 2016 election, Mmusi Maimane introduced a new epoch in the DAs history as the first black person to lead the party.

That in itself introduced a transition phase in the party, and a period of turbulence.

The DA is different to South Africas governing party, the African National Congress (ANC), in a number of critical respects. While the ANC represents a broad church of interests, the DA is a blended party made up of disparate extant parties. Between 1977 and 1989 it was known as the Progressive Federal Party. Then from 1989 to 2000 it was called the Democratic Party. In 2000 it merged with other parties to become the DA. The partys name changes are reflected in its membership composition.

During the early 1990s the then Democratic Party participated actively in the countrys constitutional negotiations. It promoted a federal dispensation and made important contributions to formulations around human rights. After the 1994 election it declined to join the unity government but preferred to play the role of a critical opposition.

Because its a blend of political influences the transition it is facing has, inevitably, had an existential effect on the party.

This is what its experiencing at the moment.

In the last number of weeks Maimanes leadership has become the main focus of attention. But there are other tensions too. The most important is who will take over as the chair of the Federal Council, the partys governing body between congresses. The former party leader, Helen Zille, has entered the fray for the position.

For more than a decade Zille led a drive to transform the partys identity. Whereas her predecessor Tony Leons notion was that the DA should be a critical opposition party, she relaunched it as a party of government.

Her role as the mayor of Cape Town since 2006, and later as Premier of the Western Cape province, were the manifestations of this new identity.

Zille, but more so her successor, Maimane also sought to shift the partys philosophical base. The DA, and its antecedents were all cut from the cloth of classical South African liberalism.

Its main principles were: individuals form the core of a society; a free market economy and a minimum state with a strong private sector have to provide opportunities for the individual; universal human rights have to protect these principles; and opportunities have to be determined by an individuals personal merits and not by a shared group identity.

The party also believed in economic growth as the panacea for most social or developmental problems.

The philosophical changes pursued particularly by Maimane have been towards a hybrid form of social democracy with some liberal components.

This shift has seen the party accepting affirmative action in several contexts, such as in employment (in the form of employment equity), in economic restructuring (in the form of black economic empowerment) and land reform. This is in stark contrast to its traditional open opportunities society vision. This has led to a standoff between the traditional liberals and new members of the party who support the countrys transformation agenda aimed at redressing past injustices.

Finally, the partys transition also involves a change in its internal balance of power. Since its time as the Progressive Federal Party in the 1980s, its constituency was concentrated in the Western Cape, followed by Gauteng.

But this has dipped and theres been less of a focus on the Western Cape while under Maimanes leadership theres been a definite shift towards Gauteng as well as a deliberate effort to galvanise support in other provinces.

What are the symptoms of this turbulence?

The first is the potpourri of individuals with strong personalities, ambitions and who are not always willing to be team players.

A number of examples illustrate this. There was the former parliamentary leader, Lindiwe Mazibuko, who clashed with Zille and Maimane, and then resigned.

Another is the very divisive break of Patricia de Lille, the DAs mayor of Cape Town, with her Metropolitan Council and executives. And then there was the resignation of Gwen Ngwenya as the partys policy head because of differences with party leaders, citing what she called an liberal slide-way in its policies.

Another symptom of, and contributing factor to, the turbulence has been the DAs relationship with the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) since the 2016 municipal elections. The party entered into a strategic cooperation in municipalities in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay, after elections that saw them unseat their common rival, the ANC.

But the cooperation wasnt built on a firm foundation. The EFF announced the end of cooperation with any other party at municipal level in July 2019. This led the DAs local governments into a phase of perpetual uncertainty. It particularly affected the Tshwane government.

More philosophical but with tangible policy implications, the intensity of the debate on liberalism has also been symptomatic of the turbulence in the DA.

On the one hand are the proponents of the liberal vision of society in which individuals opportunities and life are determined by their personal qualities.

On the other hand is the liberal vision that accepts a society with structural inequalities, such as South Africa, cannot be addressed at the individual level, but only collectively.

These two trends dont directly correlate with a black and white binary in the DA. But it has underscored issues of racial identity or even narrow nationalism in the party.

The 2019 election results are closely associated with the ongoing turbulence. Maimanes leadership in particular has been a factor. Hes been criticised for several reasons.

One goes back to his performance during the campaign and thereafter, when he continued to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa. But the public mood was going the other way. A significant number of DA supporters in Gauteng and the Western Cape gave their national votes to the ANC. This was presumably in support of Ramaphosa, because of his strong anti-corruption stance.

The two main contenders to replace James Selfe as the DAs federal council chairperson are Zille and Athol Trollip.

They represent two very different options. A win for Trollip would strengthen Maimanes position. A success for Zille could be seen as part of a fight-back campaign by the Western Cape party establishment to regain lost ground.

What do all of this mean for the DA? The party has made steady progress as the official opposition despite new parties entering the fray. It also presented an alternative to the ANC and the EFF. Both are preoccupied with internal matters. This means that its a critical moment for multiparty politics to build trust with the public again.

Read more from the original source:

A turbulent transition: South Africa's opposition party faces a rocky future - The Conversation Africa

Elections are moments of reckoning. They can either project a party onto a new trajectory or force a party into introspection.

South Africas main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has experienced both scenarios in the last two decades.In the 1999 elections it increased its support by almost 8%. For the next 14 years until 2016 the DA consistently increased its support in all the elections. Then in 2019 the tide turned and the party lost about 1.5% at the polls. This saw it losing five parliamentary seats, bringing its number of MPs down to 84 in the 400 seat National Assembly.

A year before the 2016 election, Mmusi Maimane introduced a new epoch in the DAs history as the first black person to lead the party.

That in itself introduced a transition phase in the party, and a period of turbulence.

The DA is different to South Africas governing party, the ANC, in a number of critical respects. While the ANC represents a broad church of interests, the DA is a blended party made up of disparate extant parties. Between 1977 and 1989 it was known as the Progressive Federal Party. Then from 1989 to 2000 it was called the Democratic Party. In 2000 it merged with other parties to become the DA. The partys name changes are reflected in its membership composition.

During the early 1990s the then Democratic Party participated actively in the countrys constitutional negotiations. It promoted a federal dispensation and made important contributions to formulations around human rights. After the 1994 election it declined to join the unity government but preferred to play the role of a critical opposition.

Because its a blend of political influences the transition it is facing has, inevitably, had an existential effect on the party.

This is what its experiencing at the moment.

In the last number of weeks Maimanes leadership has become the main focus of attention. But there are other tensions too. The most important is who will take over as the chair of the Federal Council, the partys governing body between congresses. The former party leader, Helen Zille, has entered the fray for the position.

For more than a decade Zille led a drive to transform the partys identity. Whereas her predecessor Tony Leons notion was that the DA should be a critical opposition party, she relaunched it as a party of government.

Her role as the mayor of Cape Town since 2006, and later as Premier of the Western Cape province, were the manifestations of this new identity.

Zille, but more so her successor, Maimane also sought to shift the partys philosophical base. The DA, and its antecedents were all cut from the cloth of classical South African liberalism.

Its main principles were: individuals form the core of a society; a free market economy and a minimum state with a strong private sector have to provide opportunities for the individual; universal human rights have to protect these principles; and opportunities have to be determined by an individuals personal merits and not by a shared group identity.

The party also believed in economic growth as the panacea for most social or developmental problems.

The philosophical changes pursued particularly by Maimane have been towards a hybrid form of social democracy with some liberal components.

This shift has seen the party accepting affirmative action in several contexts, such as in employment (in the form of employment equity), in economic restructuring (in the form of black economic empowerment) and land reform. This is in stark contrast to its traditional open opportunities society vision. This has led to a standoff between the traditional liberals and new members of the party who support the countrys transformation agenda aimed at redressing past injustices.

Finally, the partys transition also involves a change in its internal balance of power. Since its time as the Progressive Federal Party in the 1980s, its constituency was concentrated in the Western Cape, followed by Gauteng.

But this has dipped and theres been less of a focus on the Western Cape while under Maimanes leadership theres been a definite shift towards Gauteng as well as a deliberate effort to galvanise support in other provinces.

What are the symptoms of this turbulence?

The first is the potpourri of individuals with strong personalities, ambitions and who are not always willing to be team players.

A number of examples illustrate this. There was the former parliamentary leader, Lindiwe Mazibuko, who clashed with Zille and Maimane, and then resigned.

Another is the very divisive break of Patricia de Lille, the DAs mayor of Cape Town, with her Metropolitan Council and executives. And then there was the resignation of Gwen Ngwenya as the partys policy head because of differences with party leaders, citing what she called an liberal slide-way in its policies.

Another symptom of, and contributing factor to, the turbulence has been the DAs relationship with the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) since the 2016 municipal elections. The party entered into a strategic cooperation in municipalities in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay, after elections that saw them unseat their common rival, the ANC.

But the cooperation wasnt built on a firm foundation. The EFF announced the end of cooperation with any other party at municipal level in July 2019. This led the DAs local governments into a phase of perpetual uncertainty. It particularly affected the Tshwane government.

More philosophical but with tangible policy implications, the intensity of the debate on liberalism has also been symptomatic of the turbulence in the DA.

On the one hand are the proponents of the liberal vision of society in which individuals opportunities and life are determined by their personal qualities.

On the other hand is the liberal vision that accepts a society with structural inequalities, such as South Africa, cannot be addressed at the individual level, but only collectively.

These two trends dont directly correlate with a black and white binary in the DA. But it has underscored issues of racial identity or even narrow nationalism in the party.

The 2019 election results are closely associated with the ongoing turbulence. Maimanes leadership in particular has been a factor. Hes been criticised for several reasons.

One goes back to his performance during the campaign and thereafter, when he continued to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa. But the public mood was going the other way. A significant number of DA supporters in Gauteng and the Western Cape gave their national votes to the ANC. This was presumably in support of Ramaphosa, because of his strong anti-corruption stance.

The two main contenders to replace James Selfe as the DAs federal council chairperson are Zille and Athol Trollip.

They represent two very different options. A win for Trollip would strengthen Maimanes position. A success for Zille could be seen as part of a fight-back campaign by the Western Cape party establishment to regain lost ground.

What do all of this mean for the DA? The party has made steady progress as the official opposition despite new parties entering the fray. It also presented an alternative to the ANC and the EFF. Both are preoccupied with internal matters. This means that its a critical moment for multiparty politics to build trust with the public again.

Dirk Kotze, Professor in Political Science, University of South Africa

This article is republished fromThe Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Go here to see the original:

A turbulent transition: DA faces a rocky future - Mail and Guardian