There is no honour in Zuma

Those who have read my blog before, know that I venture into all different fields, one being politics, and especially the South African government.

Today I am have another look at our esteemed president, the honourable, Jacob Zuma.....seriously, I wrote that without laughing....as tongue in cheek as it was.

One of his most famous quotes is "As a citizen of this country, I've got to be honest to the people of South Africa."

The sad truth is, Mr Z never has, nor I doubt,  will be, honest to South Africa. His presidency began under a cloud....700 odd storm-cloud charges of corruption and racketeering hung around his neck like a noose. His one time financial adviser and old buddy, was jailed for corruption and that court established a corrupt relationship between Zuma and the famous, Shabir Shaik, who was released from prison on medical parole, on the edge of death it seemed, after serving a fraction of his 15 year prison term. (Most of it in a private hospital with family visits and luxuries). Mr Shaik since has made a unsurprising miraculous recovery and has been in the news a few times since...golf, living it up, verbal abuse, assault claims, racism claims etc...all of which kind of just went away as well like a card in a magic show. (see my previous posts for more on old dodgy)

Anyway, back to Captain Terrific, Zuma......he manipulated his way to the top of the African National Congress, was instrumental in having then President, Thabo Mbeki kicked out ..but the charges remained the one stumbling block to him becoming Captain of Ship SA. Now, if there is one thing Zuma can do, that is solve his own problems. Strategic appointments have littered his presidency, and the path there was no different. Mokotedi Mpshe was appointed head of the National Prosecuting Authority and with the help of some dubious spy tapes, dropped all charges against the president in waiting.

South Africa became Zuma's cash cow...his families wealth spurted like flowers in summer, members of his family landed top jobs in companies and mines, his wives (yes, he has several....and his children exceed twenty mini Zuma's). It is roughly estimated that he cost SA about R100 Million a year. (This includes the R15 Millions + for his wive's support)
Under him South Africa has suffered and his popularity is at an all time low. Of course he does not see this. Another quote " The Majority in this country have not seen anything wrong with Zuma. I go with the overwhelming feeling of this country. If the majority say 'Zuma, do this', I will do it" IF SA was a normal democracy, Zuma and the ANC would be gone. However, it is sadly more complicated than just voting for the party you like.

His presidency has also been pot marked marked with events like Guptagate, E-tolls, the Media Bill, his empty fight against corruption, his rape charge (another controversial let off) where he proudly showered after having sex with an HIV positive woman...to name a few highlights...
Then there is the jewel in the Zuma crown....Nkandla.
Before Zuma became president, he was getting monthly hand- outs from Shaik and others, as he was financially screwed. He had no clue about finances. Suddenly since becoming president, he is a multi- millionaire, who can build an African palace, with security upgrades alone, exceeding R200 million. He claims his family paid for the massive compound and he also took bonds....none of which could be located though. This is where clever political moves come in. Zuma cuts you off if you defy him (ask our ex deputy president) and rewards you if you support him....needless to say the government (made of of ANC members) have shielded him and fought for him against the truth. Part of the security upgrades included a massive swimming pool....called a fire pool....seriously...a pool to put out fires....also included are a tuck shop and place for his livestock. There are more 'security features', but enough or this paper- for now.

After the Public Protector found him to be responsible for part of the expenses (and that he should repay them), the esteemed Zuma and his zombie like ANC foot soldiers have been fighting against her. She has a little while left before her contract for the position runs out and due to her not towing the ANC line and showing she does not fear any investigtion, we can expect to see a loyal ANC member as the next Public Protector. The ANC and Zuma are good at talking anti corruption, yet their actions support it.

Zuma, the man also once said that he wanted his day in court to prove the 700 odd charges against him were bogus, has spend years in court, fighting to stay out of it. The charges were dropped in 2009. Eventually, in 2014, the Supreme Court of Appeal has been told by Zuma's Advocate, that there really are no grounds for the tapes to be withheld. (Despite previous court rulings, which the NPA and Zuma's camp, have blatantly ignored.)

This is a rough summery and if I were to write a full assessment of Zuma and his goings on, it would be pages. This should be enough to paint a picture though.

An interesting time looms. Zuma is newly into his second term (another promise broken when he said he would only serve one term), faces the real prospect of having the charges reintroduced. It does not help that he is currently in a battle with the current NPA head either.

However, Zuma is a shrewd player and he will never fall on his sword (and expects non of his minions to either). I would rather have Shrek running the country as he would do a better job. What does the rest of the so called president's term hold for us....again, with tears in my eyes, I have to say...wait and see.

As we started, we will end with another Zuma classic..."There is no cloud above my head- there is not even a mist."