A political analyst dives into the question of whether President Ramaphosa will save the country at his recent book launch.
Love Books in Melville hosted an interactive and thought-provoking evening on 24 July as experienced political analyst Ralph Mathekga launched his latest book Ramaphosa’s Turn: Can He Save South Africa? there.
The book explores the realities, expectations and possible achievements and failures of the country’s fifth democratically elected president.
The book launch was hosted by Stephen Grootes, SAfm presenter of SAfm Sunrise, who went back and forth with Mathekga while keeping all those in attendance entertained, amused and thinking.
During the launch, Mathekga said that he believes Ramaphosa took control of the governing party at the wrong time.
“Does he [Ramaphosa] have a mandate? The problem with Ramaphosa is that he is taking the ANC at a time when they are 18 months away before the elections. How much of a liability will the ANC be for him? There is a possibility that the ANC will spit him out, there is always that possibility. If he performs badly in the elections, it’s him, but if he performs very well in the elections, it’s the ANC.”
He also spoke about the lack of oppositional politics since former president Jacob Zuma vacated office.
“I saw the opposition struggle to deal with Ramaphosa. The EFF is struggling, they have become more radical so they can appear more and more relevant. The DA is unable to manage the transition and they can’t deal with the race debate within the party. I also think Mmusi Maimane’s leadership is actually in trouble with the direction is he taking the DA, I think he’s just improvising.”
The book explores a range of topics that are related to current affairs, politics, the ANC and others as South Africa edge closer to the all-important 2019 elections.
Mathekga’s Ramaphosa’s Turn: Can He Save South Africa? is currently available for purchase at major bookstores including Love Books, which can be found at 53 Rustenburg Road, Melville.
Details: Love Books 011 726 7408.