‘Zuma the mole’ gnaws away at the roots of SA’S democracy

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma could be perceived as a mole, burrowing underground and making an elaborate network of tunnels that link him to key posts in government, such as the National Prosecuting Authority, Finance, SA Revenue Service, SAA, Eskom and the Public Protector.

Moles play a useful role in the environment, catching insects and aerating the soil. But they can be a nuisance to gardeners, eating the bulbs and making lawns unsightly with their mounds.

Zuma could be regarded not just as a nuisance but a pest and the country’s nightmare. And he’s so hard to catch. Now and then he breaks the surface, but he soon disappears underground, only to reappear in another place.

He’s been trying hard to undermine the independence of the SA Reserve Bank. But the national treasure is hard as a rock. So he got another mole – Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane – to do his bidding and bring the Reserve Bank under his control.

When Zuma appointed her, many suspected she was a Zuma woman. Some disagreed, saying we should not judge her too hastily and that she should be given a chance to prove herself. Well, she’s certainly done so, proving herself to be another Zuma lapdog.

The Reserve Bank caught her out and took her to court. She apparently had a secret meeting with Zuma’s officials before releasing the Reserve Bank report.

Zuma is not alone. He has a large family, many friends and close business connections such as the infamous Guptas, disgraced Bell Pottinger and KPMG, all feeding ferociously and destroying the economy. Working tirelessly, Zuma and his “mole” gang gnaw away at the roots of our democracy.