Don’t blame me for JZ
Zuma does not represent all black South Africans. Although this is obvious, I feel it must be said that there is nothing more exhausting that some nonblack people feeling that all black South Africans are to be held accountable for President Jacob Zuma and his Cabinet.
The majority of the South African population are black and the ANC won the elections by a majority which, unfortunately, put a questionable figure at its head. But we cannot pay for this on the basis of colour.
Where does this come from? Well, here’s the scenario: on social media we were having a conversation about a woman who is unhappy in her marriage – for some odd reason a commentator blamed the whole thing on Zuma being a polygamist and Africans following their customs.
The nerve! So, basically, every personal issue that comes up in the house of a black family all relates to Zuma and his conduct. If I run out of brown sugar we all know who to blame.
Just as our white counterparts want it understood that they are not personally responsible for apartheid, not all South Africans are miniature Zumas.
Not all of us agree with polygamy and patriarchy. Zuma’s behavior is not acceptable to all blacks.
It’s exhausting that just because my melanin content is far more than that of Natasha van Staden’s, I have to constantly apologise on behalf of a leadership regime that I may or may not agree with; may or may have not voted for; and in its current state, I surely do not approve of.
As expensive as his family is, especially because they seem to enjoy the finer things in life, can Zuma’s choice to celebrate and practice his African customs and traditions be respected?
I am Sotho by birth, I have no understanding of Zulu cultural practices and I have no leg to stand on in terms of its judgment. I can’t judge something that I do not know, understand or have personal experience with.
Can we not simply judge the president on his performance, cases of corruption and leadership? His personal choices should remain just that, personal.
Please do not make it my burden to explain why his conduct is as it is. I do not know and I cannot apologise for what I do not know.