2016 Fate of the Nation

Carrying over from the events in the last quarter of 2015, the voice of the youth features strongly during the first few months, with some revolutionary expectations.  They are sincere in their conviction that things can never be the same again, and that change is within their grasp. Aware of the power of communication, they use the social and traditional media effectively for their voices to be heard and influence the citizens. Demands for change in institutions such as universities, banks  and possibly the judiciary persist together with a sense of defiance in the face of authority and previously accepted norms.[1]

National honour and reputation is in a sad state. Government remains entrenched in a cycle of corruption that keeps the status quo the way it is – officials continue to abuse the tax-payers’ money for their own self-enrichment (and that of their friends); they are a band of colluders with their fingers in the taxes and have regard for little else than their own sense of  avarice. Lavish, luxurious lifestyles for the rulers whilst their minions suffer has lessons in the past that this government would do well to heed.[2]

The Treasury remains in a bad way after the crash of the currency due to internal as well as external factors. Restrictive measures in the Treasury mean less spending money available to the man in the street, inviting a recession if not properly managed. The currency remains weak during this period, as fiscal discipline is mandated.[3]

Although loyal to the ruling party, the people are conflicted, beginning to resent those in the government and align with the youth, feeling more powerful in terms of shaping their destiny. There is a very good chance that they will exercise their democratic right later in the year with the local elections if their point of view is ignored. Government is of the mind-set that they are in charge and has little regard for them. The President seems to be out of the limelight for the time being, put into some form of political restraint after the events in December, but could well be planning his next move.[4]

Agriculture, mining and land dynamics are a big problem during this quarter. Feeding the nation – people and livestock – will become a huge problem for the government, who take a weak, defensive and irresponsible lead in confronting the issue. Land matters will also become the fodder of electioneering and revolutionary types of protests for reform with some opposition parties pushing for power in this way. Government candidates will also defer blame for the response to the agricultural disaster and attempt to influence land-hungry voters with militant ‘take over the farms’ spin-doctoring.[5]

The Presidency dominates the national attention for the remainder of the year wherein, at some time after the southern autumn equinox, one of two possibilities are indicated. Either the president manages to reclaim his power over the nation by doing something that elevates his standing in the eyes of the people, or there could be a new incumbent of much better character and esteem, a new beginning in terms of leadership. This version of the presidency is popular with the youth and the people. [6]

It is likely that the ruling party will take strain in the local elections; some irrevocable damage and consequential change will happen in government this year. It could also be that the nuclear issues are part of this story. [7] It looks very possible that the president will retire to his farm homestead with his wives at some time after the winter solstice – perhaps on suspension or recuperation. The opposition will have a sense of national power due to winning local districts, but are hamstrung in terms of  parliamentary control remaining with the current ruling party who will manipulate power at all costs. [8]

Riots, protests and demand for societal change by the youth and opposition continue to plague the traditional institutions. The workers’ unions will be at odds with the government. [9] The currency remains open to manipulation by foreign interests and although attempts to recover, remains weak, and foreign debt is of concern. There could be a shock around government spending or taxation after September –possibly to do with funding institutions, aircraft or transport carriers. [10]

After the September equinox, there seems to be a national shape-shift and confusion as we ponder our national identity. There remains a rise in socialistic challenge to a more austere government authority as the presidency issues are finalised. [11] There could be a political ‘death’ to the president and some in the ruling party during the last quarter. There is a good chance that they are funded and thus under the control of foreign interests. [12]  Foreign parties may also be granted influence over agriculture, land or mining rights in South Africa, to the detriment of our people. It looks as though treasury will experience severe difficulty in regard to making payments to foreign partners. [13]

So, will the president be replaced? In all likelihood, yes. But it will be a bit of a rough ride ahead as he takes some of  ‘the king’s men’ down with him.  Things look a little brighter toward the year-end and into the first quarter of 2017, but we remain challenged to sort out the complex societal, institutional and governmental changes demanded by our people and recover from the symptoms of a national post-traumatic stress disorder.

Astrological references for those so inclined:

[1] Ruler 9H Mercury peregrine angular in Asc separating from Pluto, trine exalted Moon 5H opp ruler 5H Venus in 11H in fall of detrimented Jupiter.

[2] Ruler 10H Venus in detriment in 11H in mutual reception with Ruler 11H Mars in detriment in 10H.

[3] Ruler Asc and 2H Saturn in 11H in sq Neptune cycle.

[4] Exalted Moon opp. detrimented Venus in fall of Moon; Ruler 8H Sun peregrine and feral in 12H.

[5] 4H Angular Uranus squ. Mercury; ruler 4H Mars in detriment and feral in 10H.

[6] Angular exalted Sun in exaltation on cusp of Asc rules 5H; Moon and Fortuna – Aries ingress.

[7] Pluto 10H in Aries, Cancer and Capricorn ingress charts.

[8] Ruler 4H Moon in detriment on 10H cusp opp Sun conj Venus on 4H cusp, Cancer ingress.

[9] 2H and 7H ruler exalted Venus in 12H – Aries Ingress and ongoing afflictions to 2H or its ruler in the ingress charts. Uranus in 2H trine ruler 2 and 9H Mars in 10H in Libra ingress. Ruler 10H Saturn in 9H partile sq Ruler 9H Jupiter in 6H in Aries ingress chart.

[10] Uranus in 1H in Aries, Cancer and  Capricorn ingress, Ruler 10H Saturn, Ruler Asc Mars in 9H; Ruler 9H Jupiter in 6H.

[11] Neptune in Ascendent of Libra ingress chart.

[12] Sun conj Jupiter ruler Asc, 10H on cusp 8H; ruler 8H Venus in 8H – Libra ingress.

[13] Ruler 7H Mercury ruler and exalted in 7H also rules 4H; Moon peregrine 4H in detriment of Jupiter. Mercury trine Pluto 11H.