Ramaphosa, who took office in February with promises to jump-start the economy and stamp out graft, had been attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is a stark contrast to his predecessor in so many ways, but in his mastery of political marketing, he has always been in a different league to Jacob Zuma.
He demonstrated this when he met Archbishop Desmond Tutu and apologised for the fact that the clergyman had “lost confidence” in the leadership of the country.
“I just wanted to say I am sorry we put you through that, but we will work very hard to regain your confidence and make you proud. We will do that,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa’s new-look ANC is, he is saying, taking the organisation back to its roots of service to the people and a better life for all, not just a few.
Tutu’s loss of confidence in the ANC mirrors that of many who were disillusioned in the Zuma years. They gravitated towards other parties such as the DA and EFF, but Ramaphosa is now astutely calling them back.
Cynics may say politicians are adept at faking sincerity, but Ramaphosa has already demonstrated that he can walk the walk after talking the talk.
But let’s not get too excited yet.
He still has a long way to go and one humble photo opportunity does not a revolution make.
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