Cuba’s pain would be our gain

So, Cuba has a soft spot for the ANC. But I reckon Fidel Castro would’ve added the rider that it was Mandela’s ANC his country supported, not the present one drowning in a turbulent sea of corruption, incompetence and arrogance.

But let’s give Zuma the benefit of the doubt and imagine Cuba and new leader Raul still have feelings for the organisation, warts and all.

I mean, our president considered attending Fidel’s funeral of more importance than facing up to the NEC and the groundswell of opinion, including a goodly number of stalwarts, that he is a president who has cost this country dearly. He found the funeral abroad a safe haven among whom, he believes, are fellow comrades. So, in that sense, Cuba owes him.

Now, if I were in his shoes (my toes curl just thinking about it), I would’ve taken my concubine and captured pals with me on board the Gupta Express and sought asylum in Cuba.

In all probability, he had invested his hard-earned millions in offshore banks, including Havana, so no financial worries spending his last years away from those horrible South Africans who want to see him in prison.

What an ideal solution. He will leave behind a citizenry sighing with sweet relief and a cleansed ANC that has learned a hard lesson and next time around, will elect a proper leader. Together with a strong opposition, our country would be on the way to the promised rainbow nation.

Perhaps the young Castro will knock some sense into Jacob and his cronies.

It’s a given he would not stand for any nonsense from the new refugees if he’s anything like his brother. Not a bad thing for corrupt politicos to get a taste of what it’s like to live like commoners under the yoke of a communist government.

Zuma will soon become aware Cuba has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. So, he’d better pasop and not “hehheh” when Raul speaks.

Back home, Nkandla could be transformed into an asset that’s meaningful to the poor community. A hospital, a good start; the swimming pool open to the public; the amphitheatre for musical performances; the kraal with cattle to provide meat for the hungry.

Our gain, Cuba’s loss. What a pleasure.