It must be a nightmare for both Jacob Zuma and his fiery supporters in the African National Congress. Before our very eyes the new president is transmogrifying into the old president.
Jacob is becoming Thabo, the man they discarded so discourteously, sans the penchant for the latter’s deep thoughts. But there is the same curious inability to stop popping candy into the maws of monsters, the same paralysis when it comes to implementing nitty-gritty decisions rather than drafting airy-fairy policies.
It is too early to judge whether Zuma’s foray this week to patch together the collapsing unity government in Zimbabwe will be successful. The usual optimistic statements have been made about progress and breakthroughs, but after 10 years of hearing his predecessor proclaim with monotonous regularity the crisis to be resolved, one must be sceptical of presidential wishful thinking.
Nevertheless, there is a world of difference between the Zuma who just two years ago castigated Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe as a repressive dictator who did not know when to step down, and the Zuma who now clutches Mug’s paw like a lovelorn schoolboy. A world of difference between the Zuma who spoke about the “serious political crisis and human tragedy” of Zimbabwe, and the one who now on a British state visit strolls out as opening bat for the ageing dictator, pleading for the lifting of sanctions against the inner circle of the Zanu-PF kleptocracy.
There once was a Zuma who in a barely veiled reference to Mbeki’s “quiet diplomacy” said that it was tragic that there were world leaders who witnessed repression and pretended that it was not happening. A Zuma who warned, “When history eventually deals with the dictators, those who stood by and watched the deterioration of nations should bear the consequences.”
There once was a Zuma who declared the situation in Zimbabwe to be “out of control” and said that that the liberation movement values that the ANC once shared with Zanu-PF were no longer there. “We fought for the right of people to vote, we fought for democracy,” he said.
There once was a Zuma who in 2008 used his Christmas message to the nation to say, “The time for hoping for change must come to an end. Neither the people of South Africa nor the people of Zimbabwe deserve the devastation that the political deadlock is creating. The reported cases of abductions and detentions without trial, tests the very fabric of the liberation we fought for in this region of Africa.”
In those heady days after Mbeki had been ejected, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe promised that “President Zuma will be more vocal in terms of what we see as deviant behaviour in our neighbours.” But there has been no vocalisation of criticism from Zuma, instead it is all kissy-kissy and make nice.
It is not only on the issue of Zimbabwe that Zuma is turning into an Mbeki clone, despite the two men being so different in temperament and character.
The Mbeki era was characterised by grand schemes, like the African renaissance, which never came to successful fruition because Mbeki was unable to get his ministers and officials to do the hard graft necessary. Similarly, Zuma has frittered away an entire year of what might well be a one-term administration with elaborate planning and policy initiatives, but preciously little implementation.
The key difference between the two men is that Mbeki failed because he could not tolerate any view different from his own. If Zuma fails it will be because he is unable to impose upon his fractious comrades a consistent view of his own, if indeed he is able to formulate one.
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35 Responses to “Zuma turns into his own worst nightmare”
So remind me again why the FIXATION on Zimbabwe?
Is it concern for the human rights of ordinary citizens, like some other African states or an unfounded fear of LAND REPARATIONS to right past wrongs, thats the elephant in the room, that our invertebrate previously privileged bloggers do not want to talk about?
Zuma is right in thinking that a stable Zimbabwe is good for SA and will stem the unstoppable flow of refugees crossing into our country. Just like the US understands that a stable Mexico is good for the US. Just like India understands that a stable Pakistan is beneficial to India. etc.
“..like the African renaissance, which never came to successful fruition..”
Sez who? You must be in cloud cuckoo-land if you cannot understand that the African renaissance is happening beneath our feet. South Africa experienced the greatest economic boom in its ENTIRE HISTORY, after its liberation. Even Americans saw fit to elect an African-American to the most powerful force the world has ever seen, who is now ushering in sweeping changes never before accomplished in American history. Make no mistake, the African Renaissance is happening regardless of your dismissing it because of innate white supremacist indoctrination. C’mon William, have you EVER had ANYTHING positive to say about African black leadership? Your feeble attempt to link President Zuma to that autocrat Mbeki is pathetic!
William we are now in an era where the “people” expect instant solutions to their existential problems which if solved create new problems. Look at Britain, Canada and Australia and of course Obama’s America not to mention the EU. All products have a used-by date with politicians it is 20MAR10.
Must admit to suffering from Zim fatigue;seen it , heard it all before. Wake me up when something real and positve actually happens like Mad Mug’s death.
1. No president is going to deliver while there is such a lack of decent managerial ability across the board in SA’s civil service. Appointing half baked guys like Simelane does not help though unless of course some files have to go missing.
2. No ANC president can go against Robert as most ANC supporters support Robert’s land program. It would be political suicide and they might have to do something similar here as the lack of aforementioned skills will not achieve a structured and ordered land reform program.
@ Dave Harris - In many senses i agree with you, some great things are happening globally and within our borders. Of course that is true. But many distrubing things are also happening… I also tend to agree with WSM - Zuma is behaving a lot like Mbeki - the destruction of the doctrine of separation of powers to suit his agenda, the pussy-footing and ineffective style, the rewards for and protection of undeserving cronies to the detriment of the country. The great fanfare surrounding the polokwane putsch came from seemingly dizzy moral heights: “out with the bad” was what the ANC seemed to be saying. But, upon reflection, the disturbing patterns that have since start rippling the surface of the ANC perhaps point to the fact that is was “Out with the bad; in with the worse.”
We still wait, clouds of unanswered questions looming in the sky: The Arms Deal. The Mpshe Whitewash. The Malema Millions. Zuma Inc. the list goes on and on,… and on…. and on… ho hum… another Mbeki.
Zimbabwe would be very stable without Mugabe who caused its collapse, or do you disagree?
The only concern about LAND REPARATIONS is fair price for fair value on improvements, AND PROPER USE of the land. There is plenty land for aspiring farmers to develop. Or do you propose that Mugabe’s way is better?
The African renaissance is what? The Westernisation and democratisation of Africa. Or the economic recovery of Zimbabwe combined with the economic downslide of South Africa?
We understand that your role is to oppose criticism of the ANC and its leaders, but as to cloud cuckoo land; - you already occupy that farm. No contest.
Let’s see how chummy Zuma is with Mad Bob when he reneges on the ‘agreement’. Mugabe is a master of betrayal and no amount of ’spin’ will protect Zuma from the PR disaster that he will face when Mugabe reverses course. I give it three to five days.
The Renaissance in Europe started in Florence in the 14th century and ended all over europe in the 17th century to expect an african renaissance to occur in less than 10 years is just a little short sighted. At least Thabo had a 300 year vission for africa.
@Dave Harris
I am not sure what your academic qualifications are or your area of expertise is (Political science? PR?Advertising?), but I can guarantee it is not Economics, so please spare us you uninformed opinions on the subject.
Whilst I have a Masters in Economics, I have no qualifications whatsover in Nuclear physics, and would not be so arrogant or stupid as to profer any opinions on the subject.
For your info, Zimbabwe used to be our largest trading partner in Africa. and a stable and proseperous Zimbabwe is very much in SA’s interests.
The issue of Zimbabwean refugees - legal and illegal is complex, but recent studies indicate that SA actually receives a net benefit from these immmigrants, believe it or not.
FYI Zimbabwe is most saffer’s worst nightmare.
The “boom” / growth in GDP post 1994 is lower than that achieved during the 1960’s in South Africa, so please stop punting your opinions as *facts* .
For what it is worth, my opinion, and there is much evidence to support this, is that the economy is in general far better managed post 1994 than pre 1994.
I agree that is is ridiculous to compare Mbeki with Zuma.
For all his many faults, Mbeki was highly intelligent with a Masters in Development Economics.
Zuma, by his own admission, and partially through little fault of his own, has a primary school level education.
Suitable to run a country?
I would not trust JZ to manage our organisation’s tuck shop.
Paul Harris, it’s silly of you to divert attention from the truth in William’s blog to seeing racism even where it is not warrented. It is true that Zuma said all those things about the Zimbabwe situation before he became President. It is also true that instead of his post-electoral actions being consistent with his pre-electoral pontifications, Zuma has gradually become like Mbeki on this matter; running around begging/cajoling for targeted sanctions to be dropped even when no progress has been made. Why should these targeted sanctions be lifted? Who stands to benefit from that if not Mugabe and his cronies? The plight of the Zimbabwean people will not be improved simply because Grace Mugabe can shop at Harrods again, wake up!! Zuma should think about his own legacy. At the rate at which things are going, including all the other negative coverage tht he continues to receive, things are going down hill. Race has nothing to do with this; For the record, I am a Black African!
The term “African renaissance” is a glib reference to what? The return of Iron Age tribalism? That part, over recent months, is becoming abundantly clear. The chief and/or his minions will NOT be gainsaid! Regardless of the contrary evidence. Mr Harris should return inside the Cuckoo Clock cloud land he inhabits and lock the door.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
“Kleptocracy, alternatively cleptocracy or kleptarchy, from Greek kleptes (thieves) and kratos (rule), is a term applied to a government that takes advantage of governmental corruption to extend the personal wealth and political power of government officials and the ruling class (collectively, kleptocrats), via the embezzlement of state funds at the expense of the wider population, sometimes without even the pretense of honest service. The term means “rule by thieves”. Not an “official” form of government (such as democracy, republic, monarchy, theocracy) the term is a pejorative for governments perceived to have a particularly severe and systemic problem with the selfish misappropriation of public funds by those in power.”
Hey Dave harris, everyone agrees Apartheid was terrible and the UN voted it a crime against humanity so please explain why you protect Mad Bob (and his ANC backers) who has caused over ±4 million Zims to flee, probably over 10 times the number of people who fled Apartheid. If that is your version of the African Renaissance happening right here on our door step God help poor Africa.
Democrats hate all tyrants, whether they be White or Black, racists and grovellers attack White tyrants and gloss over/grovel to Black ones.
The whole point of the article was Zuma talked big and tough when Thabo ran the show and is now grovelling to Bob, reasonable people should ask why, not do verbal gymnastics to protect a 180 degree about turn by our president.ie zero to do with land restitution.
@ dave harris
Okay, lets talk about LAND REPARATIONS if you want.
Latest report by the minister concerned: he admits to a 90% FAILURE RATE.
Next topic: AFRICAN RENAISSANCE. Yes, the begging bowl is back in fashion, this time its being held out to China and India.
Need I go on?
Whatever Dave Harris says, Zimbabwe remains an integral part of South Africa’s politics. This basic fact was missed in the ongoing debate since the year 2000. A gatvol Zim population stunned the world in 1999 when their newly-formed MDC threw out ZANU-PF reforms at the ballot box. As Moeletsi Mbeki called it later: the first true renaissance people’s party, unprecedented in Africa. The wholesale repression, electoral fraud, farm invasions, Murambatsvina - all were aimed at keeping at bay and weakening the opposition. Thabo Mbeki’s quiet diplomacy was aimed precisely at perpetuating this.
Through brief ZANU overconfidence of victory, the MDC could confirm its ongoing majority support in 1998, only to be forcibly locked into an impossible trademark Thabo Mbeki GNU arrangement. This now threatens the MDC’s credibilty. Zuma, whilst still on the outside,could say the sensible thing. Once at the helm he realised the truth: the MDC is a threat also to ANC hegenomy, as its ascendancy would give heart to South Africa’s (and SADC’s) splintered opposition. Tokyo Sexwale, delegated to the ZANU-PF congress last December, conveyed the ANC’s solidarity even more clearly: “We remain as one (against our enemies)”
Zuma’s latest apparent success in Harare should not fool anyone: Mugabe will apparently play ball until after the World Cup and then go for the final assault with his carefully prepared stormtroopers.
True renaissance remains a threat to all of Africa’s ruling elites, particularly now in restive South Africa
@Dave Harris; The greatest economic boom in our ENTIRE HISTORY (which also defined our history) was actually the discovery of gold in the ZAR. Had there been nothing there, the Boer War would not have been fought and the ZAR may well have been another independent country like Zimbabwe is today. Had there been significant gold reserves in the old Rhodesia, you can bet your bottom dollar it would have been part of South Africa today.
A well written article all the same and there were a lots of surprised people when Zuma asked for Mugabe’s sanctions to be lifted. This won him no friends, and those that he had were found questioning their values.
My thoughts exactly, William. Thank you for re-iterating the past references to Zimbabwe by Zuma. They perfectly illustrate a man who expresses one opinion and then contradicts it in his actions.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Bob bribed Zuma with diamond mining deals. Mugabe is astute enough to know how to play on a man’s weaknesses. Bribing Zuma is as easy as feeding sweets to a child.
Dave Harris- please supply some concrete evidence of the so called African Rennaisance. Where is the logical connection between Obama’s election as the first black president in the U.S and South Africa’s jobless economic growth? And what are the sweeping changes that Obama is making? His whole presidency was financed by pale faced banksters; he is currently guttering the only progressive remnants of the New Deal; he is a commander-in-chief of three colonial wars, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan; he is provokong and threatening Iran; he has refused to sign a protocol to dismantle landmines; he has sanctioned a coup in Hondorous; he wants U.S military bases in the African continent a feat Bush couldn’t achieve.
Now please tell me the greatness about Obama, unless we are great by the virtue of oue skin colour.
Bernard, there’s nothing instant about how decisions are made in this government. They’ve had 16 years, bearing in mind that the same party has been in power that long. Just because the chaps at the top have swapped out is no reason to back-track policies every time. They must have seen some merit in each other before getting into the hot seat? (Else why did they vote as they did?) And they must surely have had some plans of their own before planting their butts?
And, Dave Harris, the fixation with Zim probably has something to do with Zuma’s fixation with Zim. Recently he told the British PM SA could not manage the 3mn-odd (think he’s under-estimating) Zimbabweans much longer. What he probably meant is that SA can’t manage its own population much longer, given that we seem to have our own racist fixations on what the Zim people who are here, are doing to deplete the available job market. And yes, racist! Just because the colour of their skin is the same, their behaviour is no less racist!
Interestingly, though, Gideon Gono, the terrorist of Zimbabwe’s central bank, seems to have made an immediate about-face concerning his attitude to Zanu-PF policy in the last week. Could he be sincere? I doubt it, but it’s amazing what some people will say to keep a position of power and a job.
I read this article in the w/end Argus - well written but why do you use words such as “transmogrifying???” - when a much simpler “transform” would surely suffice? or are we required to have a varsity degree to understand certain of your journalistic writings?
@Wacattack
The recent stepped up media attacks against Zuma and Malema is to protect the status quo, which reminds me of Yeats “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold”.
Think about who owns Sunday Times, City Press, etv etc.
@Pancetta
“The only concern about LAND REPARATIONS is fair price for fair value on improvements, AND PROPER USE of the land.”
Sorry buddy, the days of the previously advantaged calling the shots are coming to an end.
@Peter L
“Whilst I have a Masters in Economics…”
You lose all credibility when you have to resort to your “qualifications” - obtained through a white-AA education.
@brent
“not do verbal gymnastics to protect a 180 degree about turn by our president ie zero to do with land restitution.”
Our fixation on Zimbabwe has EVERYTHING to do with land restitution, do you think white SAns really give a $#%@ about the human rights of ordinary Zimbabweans?
@nguni
I’m still trying to make sense of your comment…LOL
@pasile
Obama has given more credence to the African Renaissance. People of color ALL OVER THE WORLD have a renewed sense of pride. Try speaking to African-Americans in the US and people around the world for a change, instead of languishing in your provincial views.
Some of his sweeping changes, healthcare (after 50 years of trying), overhaul of the education system, banning torture,…I believe there is more to come in the coming years.
“he is a commander-in-chief of three colonial wars”
Something any 5th grader will tell you he inherited from his predecessor.
“U.S military bases in the African continent ”
Where do you think those Islamic terrorists run to for cover?
“Now please tell me the greatness about Obama…”
I understand your bitterness toward America, but please think of the alternative to Obama. Do you think Africa would be in a better position if a Republican was elected? Do you honestly think our government would be able to say no to a US military base and torture facilities right here in SA - all in the name of security.
@Tred Bridge
Like a true politician, you seem to have artfully twisted my words into something really bizarre - good job
By the way, can you give an example (or examples) of instances which illustrate your point that “Mbeki failed because he could not tolerate any view different from his own”? And what is ‘failure’?
This could have been a very good post had you simply quoted President Zuma’s statements about Zim in the past two or three years and his actions of the recent past without trying to equate him to Mr Mbeki. Try and do that next time and maybe Dave Harris won’t attract so much attention as if it is his post
@ Maurice - point taken but ‘transmogrifying’ captures the irresistible aspect of JZ’s change in the way that ‘transform’, with its positive connotations doesn’t. Also, in the context of the header and the second para, I think the meaning should be clear without recourse to a dictionary!
There is so much to learn from President Mugabe. How to make the unemployed youth feel like victorious veterans, create instant millionaires of everybody, provide cheap labour for South African restuarants and farmers , all without adding a wrinkle to his brow. Maybe if the boers had a bit of Mugabe’s goetspa we wouldn’t have been colonised by Rhodes and his pals. Zuma has learnt these lessons well and it is only fitting that he and his government pay homage to a true African liberator who will not be cowed by meaningless threats from the West.
Someday there will be a rethink on Mbeki, he is not what you have painted him to be.Besides the option that was chosen in Polokwane is far far worse, its only been a few months, brace yourselfs for Mbeki’s worse fears as they come to reality.
Zimbabwe is not considered a massively important issue in black South Africa, simply because there’s virtually nothing we can do. Mbeki did the only possible thing, which was to broker the peace deal, and this has helped quite a lot, but not enough. Zuma has simply nothing to offer which is different from Mbeki’s line (as usual).
Of course, Zuma could go along with the Anglo-Americans and the white South Africans and scream abuse at ZANU-PF, but that wouldn’t actually do anything for Zimbabwe, and more to the point, it would weaken his authority within the ANC. It’s not about supporting Mugabe, it’s about not supporting Mugabe’s enemies. (The butchers of Baghdad and Kandahar are not people who have any right to criticise the thugs of Harare.)
Incidentally, Dave Harris is too much the Zumaphile to notice that Zuma is far more repressive than Mbeki, especially within the ANC, where dissent has been crushed and dissidents purged to an extent unprecedented since the big purges of the early 1980s.
Monde, I doubt there will be such examples.I’ve heard this song sung repeatedly over and over again, until everyone believed it.They then got rid of Mbeki, look at them now.
The ANC and government are in disarray, the alliance is but a name.
Some say there is a breath of fresh air,yeh right, of course anyone can say whatever they want, making sense has taken a back seat.
We are in more trouble then we are willing to admit.
The World Cup will be a welcomed distraction, thereafter we’ll face the grim reality of this administration and our countrys quick dimise.
Dave Harris on March 23rd, 2010 at 7:37 am
You remind me of my neighbour who also tends to shoot off his mouth without thinking first.eg:
@Pancetta. A friend of mine had a farm in Zim and was ordered to hand over to blacks. They had about 100 workers who had a living (not rich, but a living). So the farm got split-up in tiny pieces and the black workers were each given a piece.
It ceased to exist as an economic food-producing unit. Within two years the land was mostly lying fallow and what implements remained were unusable. Indeed the days of the previously advantaged farmer and his family were finished and they got a token price for the property. But hardly any food was produced, the raison d’etre of every farm. This happened all over Zim with disastrous consequences.
The same could happen in SA where some restituted farms are already lying fallow. But if that is what you want who am I to argue.
or eg :@Peter L. OK a degree does not guarantee sound thinking but is still seen as an indication of having some knowledge. Whether the professors were black or white is immaterial.
as eg @pasile. Obama may be coloured but that does not make him a messiah of African Renaissance. Which remains a fata morgana in many respects. Obama is still too busy to visit SA it seems to support his black brothers and sisters. Why, you think.
Fair enough article, surely, with all those quotes but it’s not a question of Zuma being like Mbeki or turning out the same, but of the direction of SA foreign policy in Zim. If you are interested, take a look at:
I wonder where Dave Harris got his educatgion and his seeming mastery of English. Was he an exile educated on anti-apartheid handouts as a member of the ANC? If so, does he speak Russian as well? Or did he get a scholarship from some white organization to send him abroad? Or is he self-educated like Zuma? He says that SA education is invalid because it was based on privileges. If he was an underprivileged black with only a Bantu education, then how did he rise to his present eminence?
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Saunderson-Meyer writes the syndicated Jaundiced Eye column, which appears in The Weekend Argus, The Citizen, and Weekend Witness. He also writes a books column, Killer Thrillers, for the Sunday Times.
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So remind me again why the FIXATION on Zimbabwe?
Is it concern for the human rights of ordinary citizens, like some other African states or an unfounded fear of LAND REPARATIONS to right past wrongs, thats the elephant in the room, that our invertebrate previously privileged bloggers do not want to talk about?
Zuma is right in thinking that a stable Zimbabwe is good for SA and will stem the unstoppable flow of refugees crossing into our country. Just like the US understands that a stable Mexico is good for the US. Just like India understands that a stable Pakistan is beneficial to India. etc.
“..like the African renaissance, which never came to successful fruition..”
Sez who? You must be in cloud cuckoo-land if you cannot understand that the African renaissance is happening beneath our feet. South Africa experienced the greatest economic boom in its ENTIRE HISTORY, after its liberation. Even Americans saw fit to elect an African-American to the most powerful force the world has ever seen, who is now ushering in sweeping changes never before accomplished in American history. Make no mistake, the African Renaissance is happening regardless of your dismissing it because of innate white supremacist indoctrination. C’mon William, have you EVER had ANYTHING positive to say about African black leadership? Your feeble attempt to link President Zuma to that autocrat Mbeki is pathetic!
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