Staying positive in South Africa

Posted on 23 September 2008 South Africa

Today is one heck of a day for South Africa. After Thabo Mbeki resigned on Monday, the Deputy President followed suite, and today, 11 members of parliament and 3 deputy members resigned too. (I hope Manto Tshabala-Msimang also resigns!)

Jacob Zuma, who is almost guaranteed to be South Africa’s next president, has brought about this sudden shift in change and definitely has some South African’s are worried.

Am I worried? Not really.

Yes, Zuma doesn’t have the best of track records, but think for a second about Mbeki. He doesn’t think HIV causes Aids, is best friends with Bob Mugabe as well as says that there is absolutely no problems in Zimbabwe, did nothing about the corruption involved in the arms deal (probably because he or his friends are involved), didn’t take a big enough stance on the xenophobic attacks, doesn’t think crime is a problem in South Africa and generally is hardly ever here – always traveling and wining and dining with other world leaders.

So, I’m thinking good riddance, but in the same breath, wondering about how Zuma, when he becomes president, will react to these issues.

Then, I take a look at the MP’s that have resigned. The only guy that actually is worth anything is Trevor Manual and his spokesperson has come out as saying he is willing to serve under any role in the next government – so don’t be surprised if he isn’t back as our Finance Minister in a couple of months time.

The other MP resignations:

Defence: Mosiuoa Lekota (can you smell arms deal?)
Minister in the Presidency: Essop Pahad
Intelligence: Ronnie Kasrils
Correctional Services: Ngconde Balfour
Public Enterprises: Alec Erwin (well done on the Eskom debacle)
Science and Technology: Mosibudi Mangena
Public Works: Thoko Didiza
Provincial and Local Government: Sydney Mufamadi
Public Service and Administration: Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi

Do any of these people inspire confidence in South Africa? I don’t think so. So once again, I say, good riddance.

Markets

What with all this news, the JSE and exchange rates are way down, but go do yourselves a favour and check the global markets. They down as well. Yes, our local markets are down because of all the instability at this time, but there is a bigger picture. (Have you also never seen the markets crash and recover before?)

For me, I’m pretty much staying positive about this whole situation. Time for some new faces, new policies and new leadership. For those of you that were thinking of immigrating overseas, today marks the day you have made up your mind and are leaving.

So are you staying positive about SA or are you telling anybody that will listen that we heading into the dump and are about to emigrate too?

http://iarematt.com Matt

Definitely trying to stay positive. The only problem is when you look at the credentials of the guys coming in now it is flippin’ scary. Rape, corruption, showers, “Kill for Zuma” etc etc. I wasn’t a Mbeki fan, but I would prefer him over Zuma any day.
http://www.jasonbagley.com Jason

@Matt, as I said, Zuma’s track record isn’t great – but I think a lot of his supporters have given up on Mbeki and thus the almost hostile approach we are seeing from them. I do think it will die down as things start settling in our country and especially after the elections in April.

So, all I’m saying is lets hope and pray it will go well!
http://www.wearenotfreelancers.co.za/ David Perel

Jason I am with you. Slowly but surely my eyes have opened with regards to Mbeki and his peers.

At the end of the day we have to respect the judgments in Zuma’s cases and if you look at it like that then he is not a rapist or corrupt (yeah right…). I personally believe that the majority of people who are in power are in some way corrupt but all you have to do is look over the pond to Mr Bush to see that we are not so bad.

So on my side there is a bit of excitement about the future and what it holds. I ain’t moving anywhere, lets see what happens. SA aint that bad and it seems that our democracy is still intact.

Good bye Mr. Mbeki. Bring on Zuma.
http://www.jasonbagley.com Jason

@David – great to see some other positive South Africans! To think how far this country has come in 12 years – we have grown enormously – and there are bound to be a few hiccups along the way, but generally, the curve of growth is on a permanent upward direction here in SA!
http://www.wearenotfreelancers.co.za/ David Perel

@Jason – Its seems DJ Fresh is also on our wavelength!