SilverFalcon

Jacob Zuma has ousted Thabo Mbeki to take leadership of the ANC in South Africa.

Humiliation for Mbeki, as team Zuma takes helm: South Africa: Politics: News24

Official opposition's views on the change:

Zuma election 'a dismal day': South Africa: Politics: News24

My view:

Despite all Zuma's antics, the people have spoken and made it clear that they are sick of Mbeki's authoritarian and distant rulership. The old Xhosa and Zulu divide has been re-opened and change will happen now in terms of safety and security, affirmative action against Zulus, economic challenges and a host of other issues that do not necessarily please the decidedly left wing members of the official opposition, who just couldnt help liking old comrade Mbeki more than a scarily Zulu patriot socialist like the wildly unpredictable Zuma.

Political fireworks are on order for South Africa now and trade union grievances and the relationship with Zimbabwe's ruling elite are all part of any new dispensation Zuma may feel inclined to foist upon his previously extremely unwilling political rivals.

Expect some shenanigans from way down south ...

__________________
She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running
Like a watercolour in the rain.
Don't bother asking for explanations,
She'll just tell you that she came
In the year of the cat.

rjt

It was unlike many other situations in Africa a democratic decision as you rightly point out.

Corruption and rape accusations, more corruption charges to follow, he sounds quite tame and boring for an African leader.

__________________
Mr Delors said that he wanted the European Parliament to be the democratic body of the community, The Commission to be The Executive and The Council Of Ministers The Senate. NO! NO! NO!
(Margaret Thatcher 30 Oct 1990)

Ignore List: The Prophets of ST Al the Unelectable.

SilverFalcon

Oh, but he is following in the grand tradition of his former white nationalists from the apartheid regime. A bigger bunch of crooks and double dealers you couldn't have hoped to find anywhere outside of a central American republic.

But, yes, it was a people's voice that chose Zuma and there is good reason for them to believe that it's time to show their discontent. And one thing about these people, if they don't like something, they do not hesitate to get up and say so. Even in Zimbabwe they have not kept quiet. They have risked beatings and torture and death to make their voices heard.

__________________
She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running
Like a watercolour in the rain.
Don't bother asking for explanations,
She'll just tell you that she came
In the year of the cat.

rjt

Indeed, hopes for a brave New africa under democratic rule have certainly faded over the years.

__________________
Mr Delors said that he wanted the European Parliament to be the democratic body of the community, The Commission to be The Executive and The Council Of Ministers The Senate. NO! NO! NO!
(Margaret Thatcher 30 Oct 1990)

Ignore List: The Prophets of ST Al the Unelectable.

SilverFalcon

Instead, what will happen is a new Africa recolonised by China and India. One good thing about this is that Britain will no longer have to bear the left wing brunt of being the evil invading oppressor. There will be deeply suntanned investors a plenty to take advantage of Africa's mineral bounty instead. I somehow do not foresee another wonderful Empire with white buildings and lush gardens filled with roses and clipped shrubs. That is gone. We have the photos and they still make us think of how rash it was for Britain to dump her assets when someone else would merely have stepped in when the opportunity presented itself. The hour has come, the time is now ... so kiss our b*ms goodbye and watch us adapt to our new conditions. It is the only way to survive in this world - adapt or die.

__________________
She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running
Like a watercolour in the rain.
Don't bother asking for explanations,
She'll just tell you that she came
In the year of the cat.