THIS AND THAT michelle cahill OK, what just happened?

CAN SOMEONE please tell me what happened on Tuesday? OK, so I know what happened, but I just fail to understand why. Why do a major shake-up just before a national conference?

Analysts have tried to explain why President Jacob Zuma reshuffled his cabinet for the second time this year. For what it is worth, at least it wasn’t a midnight clandestine move. Although, it might just as well have been.

What I can gather from all this is that the nuclear deal has to happen no matter what. But, why the urgency? Is there something that we aren’t being told? Maybe the deal is signed and sealed, but just not officially delivered yet, and the Russians want their money.

There are seriously more questions than answers.

Blade Nzimande is an easy one to understand. He has made it quite obvious where his allegiance lies, which makes him an easy target.

What I can’t understand is why should it bother President Zuma? He is, after all, nearing the end of his time in office. And, if everything which has happened during his tenure is to be believed, were I him I would be happy to go. Hell, I would even opt for an early exit.

Or, is he hoping that the bond he has with his ex-wife can buy him a stay of execution?

On Friday the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed the appeal of Zuma and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) against the high court judgment which declared invalid the decision to drop charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering against Zuma.

What this in essence means is that the original decision to charge Zuma stands and the

NPA is now required formally to reinstate the charges against him.

Is he now trying to get rid of the naysayers to save his butt from a prison cell – for the second time.

This first time – respect, the second time I’m not really sure he really wants to go to jail.

I have a suggestion for you, Mr President. Instead of getting rid of people just because they don’t support you, do something about our prison facilities.

We all know about the overcrowding and the disgusting conditions our prisoners have to endure. You’re probably thinking I’m getting soft in my old age. But no, I still believe that if you do the crime, you do the time.

Yet, despite the appalling conditions, people actually want to go to jail. At least they have a place to sleep even if it’s just a little corner and no matter how disgusting the food, you still have three meals a day.

You also have the chance to improve your education … nudge-nudge, wink-wink. Also, if academics is not your strong point, you can also learn a skill like woodwork … nudge-nudge, wink-wink.

Even with all of that, prison is not a pleasant prospect.

So, in all honesty, I still don’t understand. Regardless what he has accumulated during his tenure, I doubt he will see the inside of a cell again.

One just has to look at other heads of state, and what Zuma has done is almost nothing compared to what they have done.

Yes, it is going to probably take us years and years to sort out the economy and also enjoy what the Struggle heroes fought for and, even though we have been fortunate enough to have not gone through a genocide like in other African countries, the country has gone through its own suffering.

Maybe once the December conference and the general elections are over, I will finally have a better understanding.