Is the ANC in South Africa heading for the same path as the Zanu-PF did in Zimbabwe? It’s an old chestnut we’ve often heard before when those family and friends among us bemoan the state of the country, “We’re going to become just like Zimbabwe!”
Both the ANC and Zanu-PF are proud liberation movements that fought to unshackle their countries from the grips of a painful colonial past, but both have been in power for decades and presided over worsening economic conditions and a deteriorating state of affairs.
Professor of Sociology at Wits University, Roger Southall penned a piece in The Conversation detailing the similarities between both the ANC and Zanu-PF. Southall contends that there is a possibility that should the ANC lose their majority at the national elections in 2024 they will try to cling to power as the Zanu-PF did when it lost its majority during Zimbabwe’s 2008 election.
“What prompts such thinking is the apparent dilemma confronted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the ANC president. He positioned himself as the candidate who would reform the ANC. He also pledged to clean up the mess of corruption left behind by the Zuma presidency, and set South Africa back on the path of growth,” writes Southall, adding that so far Ramaphosa has made little progress.
Southall also details the three key features of liberation movements post-democracy, but you’ll have to read the full piece to find out more.
Meanwhile, the release of the second part of the State Capture report trilogy has got former cabinet minister and Jacob Zuma ally, Malusi Gigaba on the defensive, again.
Gigaba took to Twitter to bemoan the second volume of the report, claiming that after three years and R1 billion spent on the State Capture commission there isn’t any evidence against him, and that deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo should have exonerated him from any wrongdoing.
But News24’s Qaanitah Hunter is astounded by Gigaba’s temerity (for subscribers) as she writes the report was very clear in recommending that Gigaba be prosecuted for corruption and racketeering concerning bribes he received from his close friends, the Guptas. Furthermore, the report said that Gigaba had lied during his testimony before the commission where he refused to say he knew the Guptas.
“I understand the temptation to ignore the facts and to create an alternate reality, fed by lies and deceit to maintain political relevance. Zuma did it for a long time and got away with it. But the electorate and, one hopes, ANC members have learnt a hard lesson and will not fall for this trap. Gigaba can’t get away with this,” writes Hunter.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
EDITORIAL: Heat from Zondo inquiry, but we await satisfaction – Business Day
Zuma, Gigaba and Molefe – all the people the Zondo Commission wants the NPA to investigate – News24 (for subscribers)
ROB ROSE: Would you tackle corrupt politicians for only R31,000 a month? – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
A Sona storyboard: here’s what you could say, Mr President – Mail & Guardian
TRACEY DAVIES: Bain and the business of influence – Financial Mail
Mantashe is the biggest problem for SA climate change – Daily Maverick
Image: GCIS
