Jacob Zuma: Model for Democracy

It is democracy, pure and simple. Freedom to vote and to be voted for. No one had a second thought about him becoming the next South African President. His support was glaring even to the blind; it only needed the polls to confirm it. The election was free and fair as observed by local and international monitors, so no hanky panky. Despite the smears trailing his personality, family life and political career, South Africans turned a deaf ear and chose the man they all believed would move the country and especially the blacks out of the abject situation they seem to be in.

For them Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has got it all, charm, charisma, compassion, wit and he certainly has got ‘moves’, more than Michael Jackson. But that’s not all; the Msholozi understood quite early what his people wanted and cashed in on it. They wanted a man who identifies with their roots and struggles but hope for a better tomorrow. A man who listens as well as understands the ‘language’ they speak. That man is Jacob Zuma

By all human perception and judging from Zuma’s antecedents he was not fit for the job. The majority may not be right, but it definitely has shown that the people’s voice echoes deep. He has been through squally times and evidently did less to wade through it. From a barefaced polygamist to corruption and rape charges, unacquainted AIDS campaigner back to corruption, his cup was full. Politically he was grounded but the electorates voted him and their votes were allowed to count. In a continent where election, rigging and violence are siblings, that was commendable. African leaders are known for their sit tight and corrupt government. Because of how lucrative the business of governance is especially in the continent it is a “do or die affair”. The Obasanjo’s, Mugabe’s, Kibaki’s etc know the game so well and have defined politics and democracy by the standards that suit them.

Let the people's wish count, the country's economy needs resuscitation and the poor can't wait. If Zuma is not up to the task the same people who let him in will show him the door.

*Picture from MailOnline