It's that time again.

Yip, the time for New Year's resolutions (which will invariably be tossed onto the scrapheap in the coming weeks) is here.

Firm in the knowledge that our own resolutions here at iafrica.com won't stick, we decided to turn our attention to the politicians of South Africa instead.

What should those in the upper echelons on the country's political chambers be committing themselves to this year? What habits or lifestyles should individuals change? Read on to find out...

Nathi Mthethwa


If there is any politician out there who desperately needs a change of lifestyle (although I'm certain he'd disagree), it's our man Nathi. The Minister of Police wears only the best suits and sunglasses, has a penchant for five-star hotels and is transported (I'd say 'drives' but I've an inkling such a chore is beneath him) only the best cars. Indeed, he's even got a jet (well, sort of anyway). Yip, Mr Mthethwa should resolve to save some (taxpayers') money in 2010.

Bheki Cele


The National Commissioner of Police, never short of a juicy quote or three for the media, has become famous over the past few months for his frequent use of the phrase "shoot to kill". And it is for this reason that we feel comrade Bheki should pledge to start a new hobby in 2010... namely, photography. What other pastime allows one to 'shoot' without actually harming someone or something?

Eugene Terre'Blanche


The word 'fitness' almost always gets thrown into the pot when the topic of conversation turns to New Year's resolutions. And is there any better example of the 'beer boep' in South African politics than what occurs between the chest and the belt of the AWB leader? Yip, ET should vow to take a few centimetres off his waist each month with the eventual goal of appearing on the cover of a top SA fitness magazine ? sporting that 'washboard' look ? by December 2010.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela


Judging by a photograph from 2009, Winnie loves nothing more than to dig her claws into an unsuspecting male politician (the higher-powered the better, it would seem) and smooch him square on the lips. So this year, Winnie should make it her duty to lock lips with every single male Cabinet minister (sorry fellas).

Julius Malema


Ah, there are so many things young Julius should be doing differently. But surely the most pressing is the penning of a Pedi dictionary (including Floyd's definition of 'sleeping around', of course). Oh, and the ANCYL leader should probably also commit to driving somewhere remotely close to the speed limit (or at the very least investing in a new speed camera detector).

Helen Zille


The Premier of the Western Cape has always been the type of woman who doesn't back down from a fight. And while this is an admirable trait (particularly in an opposition leader), the DA head-honcho should consider allowing a few of the less relevant provocations to go unanswered. So, this year should be the year Helen decides not to dignify the plethora of ANCYL jibes with responses (while still fighting the good fight, of course). Oh, and she should probably learn a few new dance moves as well.

Congress of the People


Ah, the political toddler that is Cope has plenty of scope for change. But if they are to achieve just one thing in 2010, it should be the election of one leader. Whether there is one personality who can rise above all of the others is another story...

Jacob Zuma


JZ could resolve to get his hotline working properly in 2010, or to take another wife. Hell, he could even try not to flash rude signs at the audience when pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose during speeches. But we think scoring higher on the DA's annual report card will feature far higher on the list of his priorities. Can he really do any worse than a 3/10 in the New Year (quiet please, Helen)?

Go on, list your resolutions for SA politicians below!