I have written many commentaries over the years decrying South African President Jacob Zuma’s corrupt and incompetent leadership.
For example, here:
One wonders what could have prompted the ANC to emasculate Mbeki. … If he heeds the ANC’s recall … Zuma will become the next duly elected president. Then, I fear, he will do for South Africa what Mugabe has done for Zimbabwe.
(“South African President Mbeki Forced to Resign … Hail Zuma,” The iPINIONS Journal, September 22, 2008)
Here:
Rabble-rousing trade unionists (COSATU) and unreformed communists (SACP) have turned the ANC from a governing coalition into a band of pillagers. Therefore, Zuma enlisting them to intimidate his critics, like cartoonist Zapiro, should serve as a dire warning of what South Africa will become under his leadership.
(“Zuma Issues Fatwa against Cartoonist Zapiro,” The iPINIONS Journal, December 22, 2008)
And here:
I lamented the wayward path the country was veering towards two years ago. In doing so, I cited Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s foreboding prayer about the ANC choosing an alleged rapist and thief as its leader. …
I also invoked Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer’s political rebuke about the ANC betraying its values and losing its way.
(“South Africa Betraying Its Values,” The iPINIONS Journal, May 13, 2011)
Therefore, I was hardly surprised this week when even die-hard Zuma supporters began decrying his leadership too:
South African President Jacob Zuma’s sacking of his respected finance minister in favour of a relative unknown has shocked investors and emboldened critics who say the 73-year-old is driving the economy to ruin. …
Markets reacted unambiguously, with the rand plunging to a record low against the dollar.
(Reuters, December 11, 2015)
All I have left to say is, I told you so.
Related commentaries:
South African President Mbeki forced to resign … Hail Zuma…
Zuma…
SA Betraying values…
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