South Africa

The presidency of Jacob Zuma looms

A court decision that paves the way for a new national leader

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Readers' comments



I hope by now Helen Zeal and Thabo Mbeki have met to diScuss the future of democracy in SA. Jacob Zuma is ill-equiped to govern SA effectively. I may be wrong because he is yet to be tested but all the same I worry about SA.


Tudorch is right but I believe that this trial has shown quite how toothless Mbeki really is and therefore splitting the party seems unlikely.

The ominous arrival of Zuma has loomed over SA for years now due to the ANC's supremacy. The manner and timing in which Mbeki steps down appears irrelavant to me now. Even the aggresive Zuma is willing to wait his time. We just await the inevitable coming of Zuma and tears yet to be shed for our beloved country.

Ben Reffell

Spot on Tudorch.No system is perfect but people shouldn't judge "western democracy" on the current US situation. Look at all the so called western democracies over a prolonged time period to see a true picture. There is no doubt democracy is the best system overall, it's not a coincidence that they are also the countries with the highest standards of living etc. But democracies require a true and strong opposition, without this they are only democracies on paper.China has made great strides however they are still way down the list on a per capita basis, and are unlikely to get into the top 20 let alone the top 10 unless they change to a more democratic system, in my opinion.Country 2005 2006South Africa 4820 5390China 1740 2010see, I know there are some like India who are democracies which are low, Japan which did well without a real opposition etc etc but you need to consider a number of other contributing factors.


This whole unpleasant mess is less about the rivaling individuals, Mbeki and Zuma, but more about the failure of the ANC to produce a decent leader from within its own ranks. The ANC has become more interested in its own internal politicking and retaining its iron grip on power than in governing South Africa, and presenting the electorate with trustworthy, competent, honest leaders and parliamentarians. A recent poll conducted by a Cape Town newspaper (the Cape Argus) indicated that 55% of those polled thought the best possible outcome of the Mbeki/Zuma debacle would be if the ANC split, presumably so that South Africa might finally have a credible opposition party. Without a real opposition, the ANC will continue to be the arrogant, selfish lot they have become - and honesty will not be at the top of the party's agenda. The chances of any split happening appear slim: even the quitting cabinet appear to be toeing the ANC line. Mbeki appears to have burned too many political bridges to pull anything together. Sadly, the ANC's tolerance of crime, graft and nasty politicking seem to indicate that South Africa is on that familiar African slippery slope. The ANC itself (and even the South Africa press) refer to the ANC, somewhat grandly, as the "ruling party" and the lines between government and the party are being deliberately blurred. All too familiar stuff....
The current major opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, are a spineless lot who seem to misunderstand the role of an opposition party completely - even forgoing their opportunity to object loudly to the ANC shenanigans "in the interest of South African unity". What?!
I've always wanted to believe in the South African dream... but sadly it has devolved into a bit of nightmare. I tend to agree with the Cape Argus readers: South Africa needs an opposition party to reinvigourate South African democracy, stop the slide to a one-party state, and keep the "ruling" ANC honest.
Mr. Mbeki (or, even better, Trevor Manuel), let your legacy to South Africa be a competent oppostion party!


Jose Carpintero; Your views are pedantic. So typical of self-righteousness that can only be found by westerners.

Why should the rest of Africa be assed to elect tyheir leaders just like they do it in the so-called west? If the methods of choosing their leaders are acceptable to their populations, then their brand of democracy shouldnt have to measure up with the anyway imperfect western systems. Who elected Mr Brown anyway? And why is bush in Office when majority of Americans voted for Al Gore?

The Chinese model is almost opposite of the western one, and they seem to be doing fine if you ask me(the now dirty terms like "Subprime morgage" and Credit default Swaps are yet to reach there).



Actually democracy is in far better shape in African than most poeple think. Mozambique, Zambia, Botsi, Tanzania and the even the breakaway statelet of Somaliland are among the thriving democracies in South/East sub region alone. There are quite few decent democracies on the West coast too.

As for Zuma what an insult it will be to South Arica to be run by a man who is clearly solid bone from the neck up. I hear you say well another runs the biggest Democracy in the World(second biggest actulaly but never mind). I say and look what he'd done! Also even Mr Bush doesnt think having a shower after sex prevent HIV infection.

Jose Carpintero

That is exactly the point, Mwanga: South Africa is the only country in Africa that still chooses its leader (more or less) like the West. The rest of the countries just make a parody of Democracy (those that even bother).

The fear with Zuma is that he might let the ANC bulldozer extinguish the fragile institutions that set South Africa apart.

I couln'd care less about his showers.


Because Zuma is not admired by North Americans and Europeans doesn't mean he can't be president of South Africa.Europeans and North Americans chose for their leaders. We do not chose for them. They can no longer tell us who our leaders should be. Americans, British and French have problems with Bush, Brown and Sarkozy like I have problems with Zuma.-Zuma has tens of wives and has said that a shower is enough to protect against AIDS. His judgment is not mainstream standard for moral values nor scientific. However that doesn't mean the Economist has a right to chose for me. British voted for the utopian Blair and the failed fancy Brown. Let us balance our interests like you do.


Zuma's judgment is what is worrying for South Africa. The rape charge might have come to nothing, but his claim of taking a shower, after sex with a known HIV carrier, to wash off HIV is nevertheless breath-taking. And the friends Mr. Zuma hangs out with are also a worrying indication. Some are in prison, some ready to die for him amid much blood, death and destruction as they claimed. As the future leader of South Africa, Mr. Zuma certainly can be more mindful of his, and his friends', behavior. The fact that he isn't cast a big shadow over his administration to be.

Jose Carpintero

Unfortunately, Mr. Mbeki could not be found for comment because he was, er, consolidating Mr. Mugabe's regime up North.

Zuma's rape charge was a joke, and taking it seriously is an insult to real rape victims. His corruption charges are also peanuts in the context of multi-billion arms deal, it is just that Zuma's "political accounting" is not as refined as that of Western governments.

What is worrying is ANC fixation with the Scorpions and Media, which might prove the acid test for the future of Democracy in Africa. Let's be hopeful.

But one thing is for sure: If South Africa is to go the route of Zimbabwe, let's do it with the full knowledge and willingness, Zuma-style, as opposed to the inaction and philosophical mumbo-jumbo of bankrupt Mbeki.


President Mbeki is unquestionably involved in this politically motivated case against Jacob Zuma. President Mbeki has unconstitutionally abused his power and influenced the NPA and its former head, Vusi Pikoli. When Pikoli decided to go against his boss by attempting to arrest the Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi, Pikoli’s head was cut off.President Mbeki has centralized and abused his power in his attempt to become the type of dictator the African continent has become accustomed to. By doing this he has failed South Africa and should be removed from his position as soon as possible.



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