Ramaphosa did the right thing in biding his time

Rushing to arms should only be a last resort, writes

from Sunningdale Ridge

IMartin Zagnoev

t is said: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. We live in a society which is full of complaints. It is hardly surprising when we then struggle with stress.

When Cyril Ramaphosa was in discussion with Jacob Zuma regarding his exit from the presidency, there were demands that he act more decisively.

Rushing to arms should only be a last resort. It is better to be level headed and consider the bigger picture.

After the ANC recalled Thabo Mbeki it led to a split in the organisation, with the formation of Cope. When Malema was expelled it caused a bigger rift within both the ANC and greater society. Expelling Zuma ran the risk of greater splits and even a possible civil war.

Hot headedness usually creates more problems than it solves. Rushing for the divorce courts or quickly firing people without resolving problems peacefully only increases instability.

The Talmud speaks of a man who is divorcing his wife with a view to marrying another woman. He thinks that the other woman will be better in all ways and there will be nothing about his first wife that he will miss. He regretfully discovers that he was mistaken.

Similarly, firing a competent and loyal employee during a moment of anger means having to employ and retrain an inexperienced person who may not be as good. Not only is this unfair but will also negatively effect morale in the organisation.

Once all diplomatic options have been exhausted, it would make sense to stand firm and fight the good fight but with wisdom this would hardly ever be required.