The United States of America had George Washington while South Africa had Nelson Mandela – for the Americans, George Wasington was the father of their democracy, while Mandela is still recognised as the father of the rainbow nation.
The difference between Mandela and Washington is that while American leaders continued the legacy of their mentor, South Africa has not being that privileged. This does not have to count against Mandela’s leadership, but the motives of those who came after him.
While Mbeki did not have the same stature as Tata Madiba, he understood that all colours are part of one rainbow and not streams on different paths. He realised the importance of South Africa being run by an inclusive government, however, politics came in the way.
The problem with politics is that the winner does not necessarily have to be the best man for the job. Without getting too much into ANC politics, Zuma’s election as ANC President in Polokwane made more sense at the time.
What followed after was an injustice to South Africa; Mbeki was prematurely recalled for reasons so vague it would be a waste of time trying to debate. For a moment it seemed the ANC realised their mistake when they appointed Kgalema Motlanthe as interim President, however, elections in 2009 saw Jacob Zuma elected as South Africa’s President.
Considering the controversy before 2009 elections, Jacob Zuma was clearly not the ‘most favourite’ person to lead the country, but the hope that Motlanthe would be elected as ANC president in 2012 – we all know that result… This time we saw a much more convincing victory giving Zuma his second term as president of South Africa.
As we approach elections 2014, Mr Zuma is not what you would call a model of leadership – questions around his administration regarding job creation and education (the quality, not quantity) are two of the most debated topics. Another pressing issue, security upgrades on his private residence…
Reality is, if not Jacob Zuma then who? Cyril Ramaphosa? Not really… South Africa needs leaders, not politicians. The problem with politicians is that they are too concerned about political mandates than serving the people.
For now Zuma is the man – maybe not quite the right man. Hopefully new leaders will rise in the next five years, if not… South Africa will be in real crisis!
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