Adding to the national depression is the news that the president of the ANC and the putative next president of our country, Jacob Zuma, has approached the courts of a fellow SADC member, Mauritius, slagging off President Thabo Mbeki and our institutions, accusing him of using the National Prosecuting Authority to engineer a political conspiracy against him!
While the ANC president’s purpose in this is clear — a further desperate attempt to suppress evidence in his upcoming corruption trial, sensibly rejected by the Mauritian court as it was by our own — he seems to have completely disregarded the negative effect of such actions on his own country’s interests. This is surely a first for our country and the stuff of which bananas republics’ reputations are made.
If it had been a white political leader, such actions would probably have been regarded by the ruling party as treasonous, but since it all has to do with the internecine warfare in the ANC, there has been virtually no comment.
That the South African courts have dismissed any attempt to advance this argument with the contempt it deserves does not seem to have deterred Zuma and his lawyers from trying it out in a fellow SADC country, presumably on the basis that the Mauritian courts might buy this spurious argument.
Two equally depressing conclusions arise.
Firstly, our putative future president is prepared to go to any lengths to suppress evidence that might support the state’s case against him, even if it means undermining his country’s reputation in terms of our standards of governance. Secondly, he demonstrates scant respect for his own country’s courts and the rule of law.
….but then the man is an idiot.
What was it Desmond Tutu said about him being an embarrassment to us all. Hear hear.
What is more worrying is what it says about the people who elected him. Every village has an idiot, but only in ‘special’ villages do they elect him as leader.
Thank you for a pithy summary that helps the rest of us make sense of the mindless intellectual looting the ruling party force-feeds us blacks. It is as if, in their eyes, we are no more than geese to be abused and tortured in the painful production of a delicacy only they will ever enjoy.
We all want to use our vote and rights to better our troubled and broken land, but we know the majority the ANC has artifically created will continue to deny us a true democracy for decades to come. Reading your piece gives us cause to hope again.
One shouldn’t hold out too many mildly highish expectations from someone like JZ. You’re bound to have your hopes dashed.
Perhaps JZ’s actions should be seen from a view that says he has no respect for ‘the white man’s law’?
To him a corrupt relationship is how africa does business. Hence his innocence from an african point of view. ie He is being charged for an offense that is not one in traditional africa.
Also the Scorpians need to be changed as they are not enforcing african laws.
Or am I totally wrong.
This relentless and sickening assault on our national spirit, I can only hope, will burn itself out eventually. When Bill Clinton was being impeached in the late 90′s for (arguably) far more disgraceful behaviour and palpable dishonesty than Jacob Zuma is accused of, the United States didn’t start penning sarcastic innuendos about “special villages” and “the next Zimbabwe”.
For the past 7 years, the US has been run by one of the world’s worst democratic presidents — someone who has violated just about every human right one could readily think of. Again, the response has been inward looking and critical, but never apocalyptic or hopeless.
I use the US example not because I admire that nation of overweight narcissists — but because I do think they have one advantage that has put them on a long-term winning streak: they believe in themselves and they never, ever lose hope. They weather political storms because they know, at the end, the sun will rise on another administration, another economic boom and another batch of freshly baked cookies.
South Africans are riddled with the disease of hopelessness. And this is profoundly ironic considering the political and social miracle to which we bore witness only 14 years ago. It is a sickness, and one we should all be afraid of. Far more than the Zumas and the Eskoms that entertain dinner tables nationwide night after dreary night.
Good post Sheila.
JZ’s behaviour is disgraceful and unfitting of one who aspires to leading a country. What is just as disgraceful is the chorus from those who tell us not to criticise JZ. Of course he should be criticised! Anyone who wants to president of our country must be scrutinised and held accountable for his actions. How on earth can we trust him to represent us properly if the man has no personal integrity?
As a South African citizen I expect and demand that the people voted in to SERVE us should have our interests, not their own, at heart.
Sheila and your party,
Your problem is that one foot is in South Africa and another is in Europe or England for some.You are not fair on those both Black and white who are True South African.When British Prime Minister,Tony Blair ‘dampened’ their own Arms Deal,it was never punted as obcene/stupid/ disgraceful etc.You criticise for ‘browny points’.We do not take you seriuos.Now the FBJ is an issue just because JZ is involved!This fuels anger and mistrust amongst us.JZ is saving the ANC if you pretend not to realise an accept.Most of them were involved by commission and or ommission.They had no money and a lot of things happened.Known and unknown.Some of you never opened your houses for the returnees.Many even today are still tracing their families.Some stayed in adopted countries never wanting to re-live the pain.It might need a small spark to ‘ignite’ it all.Polokwane was a revelation to me.People resisted ‘bribes’ to vote for JZ.Now you call him all derogatory names.Those people in Polokwane represented us if you saw them as a minority.There is a lot of anger in our people.Boundaries are still not sorted out in Provinces, Housing, education etc.It will take JZ loosing his case ruin it all.Negotiating will come later like in Kenya.It is a pity that people listen when the damage is done.If you want to loose it all,atleast you have uncles somewhere around the globe.We are here everything of us is here.We had enough chaos with Apartheid and never again.Kenya should not be repeated.This issue disillussions many and can lead to anarchy.Even our President is worried.We cannot afford to another ‘Rivonia Trial’.This time we will ‘stand’ by our leaders.With or without City Press and SABC.Find a way to solve this and do not play till the late hour!
Didi,
You are confusing me. Ii must admit that I do not know every detail about Zuma’s case, that led to his VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION of the Nation’s Presidency, but the man did step down and nobody put a gun into his head. Now I am just an ordinary South African with some brain matter between my ears and I have a good sense of smell and use logic when it comes to political agendas. If Zuma is so innocent as he claims to be, and was in a powerful position to fight his accusers and keep his job, why didn’t he?
What authority does he have to discuss a national case with a foreign country? Other than trying to win allies. If he is so innocent, forthcomeing and a champion of the poor, why all the sweat and secrecy? Everything about this guy is shady if you ask me. I just feel sorry about the people he has misled and brainwashed to think that he is the answer for South Africa. He could have paid attention to the needs of the poor while he was a VP instead of getting caught up with Schaik. And if you all think he is such a great man, why didn’t he report the bribe by Schaik, to prove that he did not want to be asscoiated with him?
Don’t eve talk about us not wanting to open out doors to the rWturnees. DON’T EVEN GO THERE. You do not have any idea the hell our own families had to go through even when we never left this country. I do not owe Zuma anything. He is not above me or anybody else for that matter but the LAW AND GOD HIMSELF. If he feels corruption, conspiracy, ignorance and racism is his way of bridging the gap in dealing with our current problems, you better be ready for another Zimbabwe. I do not owe tham man a damn thing. He got my vote in 1999, and what did he do with it? He’s got my taxes, those of my parents, siblings and poor masses and still live on them. he continues to make ignorant decisions without acknowledging their damning results, not only for himself but for our people. He’s not going to bed hungry, he does not have to worry about a roof over his head or a bleak future- he doesn’t have to go to college to get a job or a brighter future.
All he cares about is power and greed and accolades from his puppets.
The Bible says, anyone who wants to be great in the kingdom, has to be the least/be a servant. That’s hardly who Zuma is. I have not seen a champion of the poor since Tata Mandela and don;t tell me Zuma fits the category, that would be a complete illusion.
An honorable man who wants to be a leader of a nation like SA, fought for with blood and tears has to be forthcoming and humble- meaning he shouldn’t think of highly of himself- and that is exactly what this man is doing. He has never taken any responsibility of his actions and his comments and taken into account the impression it gives to law-abiding South Africans and helpess women and children- not to mention young men who aspire to be leaders.
HE IS BAD NEWS FOR SA. And the sooner the South Africans see it the better. One more thing, you better watch outthe world is watching. SA IS GOING DOWN THE DRAIN WITH YOUR HARD WORK FOR DEMOCRACY.
@ Didi I am sure you will stand by your leaders. But then what is it that they stand for? Do you judge them by what they say they will do or what they have done? If JZ is found guilty what will you do? Will you call the court biased? The very same justice system that acquitted him of rape charges? And Didi don’t threaten anyone. That is not what is needed here. If JZ is guilty then he must pay the price. As must any man who has committed a crime. If JZ disagrees and puts himself before his country then quite frankly he is not fit to lick the boots of any former ANC president.
Nzuzo and Vapour,I must apologise for thinking that you are well informed about these issues.Unfortunately we are fed by the DA-led media that demonise our leaders.They get intoxicated with them over time,when we want to change them as the ANC,they complain. Did you really spend time to read the charge and the list of witnesses? Spend your time there it will be time-well spent.You thought Zuma is alone in this? Think again. Or rather read! Mbeki and other leaders are also woried.Make sure before you get excited and make comments in support of the enemies of the revolution. Read the variuos accounts in a the latest available information at Books shops etc.I did.Then comment.From there ask yourself what will be left of the leadership after this case.What will happen of this country when that happen.What will be our re-action as people on the ground? Zuma has been targeted but he is not alone.Big shocks are coming!If he looses,many will go with him.Not by his making but emanating from the way the case was set up.You might owe Zuma,but others as well in the Leadership.Mostly the returnees.Sorry for mentioning them.But please be informed before you make mistakes.Viva!
Yes, the prospect of JZ as president does depress me. My instincts tell me that his promises to the poor will come to nothing. The only people with anything to gain will be himself, his vast extended family and immediate supporters. Why can’t he leave it alone and retire with some dignity intact? His job is over, let those that want to remember him for the hero he was to them. I have no problem with this. We have huge resources of intelligent potential leaders out there who are capable and selfless enough to put the people’s interests before their own. Didi, this is not a personal attack on JZ. I have nothing personally against him. I respect the fact that a lot of people love him for what he promises and represents. I just don’t believe he will deliver and don’t trust him based on his actions to date. Amongst other things a court of law found him innocent of rape and I accept that (and believe it), it did however unfortunately also highlight is lack of good judgment.
Funny, the thing I keep hearing is, never mind Zuma – watch Kgalema Motlanthe.
Morality and politicians, statesmanlike behaviour a sense of custodianship, leadership and other such high minded ideals from politicans are we dreaming.
Stuff comparisions with the West – its not perfect but people and politicians are held accountable!
Africa and politics its an African Continent the game is played with a different form of morality. Dont expect politics to play out like the Western world – if you are Eurocentric in aspirations and public morality – go live on another continent.
You can criticise all you like from your pedastal but there is no one at home. Sheila – when will you get it and those that are like minded?
clearly zuluboy and his support rabble take the “innocent until proved guilty” maxim to any extreme in order to protect their innocent hero from his day in court. just a thought for the readers – If Zuma becomes President of South Africa, and is convicted by our courts of any of the charges placed before him, can he grant himself a presidential pardon??
We do have a problem.
To accentuate the seriousness of Zuma’s behaviour, let me say if that is all that Zuma has done thank goodness that Sheila Camerer and her party are not in control of the country.
Dear Didi,
You are right – Zuma is not alone, and Mbeki and the other leaders are also worried. The whole ANC is worried. The arms deal is being investigated in about 8 countries – not just by the Scorpions, who are probably being head-hunted by these countries already. Alledgedly 200 million dollars of bribes went somewhere – and it certainly would not all have gone to Zuma!
But why do you assume if the ANC don’t keep power, the whites will gain it? Where does this unreal neurosis come from? The whites are only 8% of the population ?
WATCH YOUR BACK SHEILA – knives will appear while you are greeted with the now sickening grin from the mouth only. He has followers willing to die for him.
He will have VERY deep pockets and a squadron of planes to house his family and guards.
If you want to know how our future will be – JUST LOOK NORTH to the rest of the huge continent that was liberated. Most still under tyranny … due to their blind loyalty to those who liberated them from colonial misery.
Misery from Black tyranny is acceptable.
Sheep to the slaughter following the Judas goat.
Ag ja no well as we like to say – the sycophants on this blog – who slavishly do the same without using their non-existent commonsense, will only get what they vote for.
Those of us Africans in heart and soul who do not have aunties and uncles “out there in the CIVILISED world” will just sink with the Titanic.
I greet you Banana Dictatorship – as I will not be around being embraced by my beloved African soil.
My three generations of descendants will be refugees in hellhole camps until they can be rescued.
Some already too old to emigrate.
Ja no well – such is life IN Africa.
HAMBA GASHLE didi and your ilk – dig your graves.
I have given up totally on Liberators. They are a disgrace to humanity.
old,female,paleface, It is a myth to say that Europe and America do not have problems like Africa. Criminals are everywhere and lunatics are in Leadership positions are spread around. Austria was an example. Twice in a row! Barak Obama is challenged because of his race,Australia and the fate of the aborigines etc you name it.Be realistic and fair in your judgement.Humanity fails at a point.Whether Black, brown or white.
Silly – HAMBA WENA – the tiresome racist argument – my blog was about being stuck with LIBERATORS continuously voted back into power until they die. NOT COLOUR!
At least the ANC kicked out Mbeki. Zuma has his own cronies’ greed to feed – let us hope he has time for the country and something left to give the poor.
Europe has nothing to do with our blind loyalty and dogged clinging to a tyrant.
Europe discards them as fast as the next election.
The topic raised is the depression about the new Leader who is going to continue and improve on current leader. Who improved on the Afrikaner Liberation Party. and so on and so on…
Check your history and do not prove me right about commonsense.
I am already in a pit deeper than a ‘long drop’ of depression and despair at the fact that my descendants
wil be trapped in a banana dictatorship.