Dale > we will wait and see how the Zuma affair turns out before we make any irrevocable choices
I may be wrong, but I'm not worried about Zuma, in fact, I think the spat between him and Mbeki is a very good thing for the country. The reason is that the ANC is far too strong for a democratic situation and any move towards the ANC splitting is to be welcomed. As you know, democracy in SA is, as far as minorities are concerned, the tyranny of the majority and if the political parties became smaller and had to deliver on pre-electoral promises, IMO, it would only be to the advantage of the electorate who would then have a greater say. Certainly, theoretically.
As far as Zuma, the man, is concerned, I actually think he's a nice guy, in fact he is/was Mr Nice Guy to too many people, including rogues like Schabir Shaik, his ex-financial adviser. Concerning his relationship with Shaik, which is the basis of his forthcoming trial for fraud, I do believe he didn't know it was fraudulent and he simply did whatever Shaik told him to. Let's face it, it's hard for anyone to tell one form of black economic empowerment from another. As far as I'm concerned, they are all illegitimate even though it could be argued they are necessary. The problem about Zuma, if there is one, is that he's a simple guy who hasn't had too much education and so he's easily led astray. He's certainly not a thug nor a Marxist like Mbeki or Mugabe. In fact, I'm amazed how popular he is. I think you are right to keep your options open and, if I may say, also to keep an open mind.
> It's a pity - a lot of good things going on in SA nowadays, along with the bad.
To me, the Zuma issue is not one of the bad things. Government corruption, incompetence at all levels especially health, education and criminal justice, failure of the administration to deliver, especially to the poor, the millions of unemployed "asylum seekers", especially from Zimbabwe, who turn to crime, and the uncontrolled / uncontrollable AIDS situation are all far more serious.
> I would hate to see it all go sour.
I appreciate and I concur with your sentiment. As my maid tells me, there's nothing wrong with South Africa, the problem is with the people! And, for what it's worth I can add, it always was and always will be. |
