We have a roving president
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has itchy feet. He can't stay in South Africa for long, even when there are serious issues to attend to at home.
From COP 27 in the Egyptian desert to the G20 conference in tropical Bali and then, across the Indian Ocean to the London metropolis, he’s jetting across the world like a playboy, impressing dignitaries and world leaders with his eloquent speeches.
In London, he had the honour of being the first dignitary to be hosted by the new British monarch and his queen consort. King Charles III welcomed the South African president to a glittering banquet at Buckingham Palace.
And while he wined and dined with royalty under the bright lights of the palace, all thoughts of home where millions sit in darkness, unable to cook their food and study for their exams, were forgotten.
The energy crisis facing the country is the least of Ramaphosa’s worries when he is on his overseas jaunts.
We do not begrudge the president for dining with royalty. What is annoying is his detachment, insensitivity and indifference to the serious problems at home.
Besides the crippling energy crisis, there’s the “femicide scourge” where 989 women were killed in the last three months (The Star, November 24). And what does the leader of our beleaguered nation do? Sits with royalty and enjoys a sumptuous feast fit for a king.
On the other hand, does it really matter whether he’s at home or globetrotting? It makes no difference.
Nothing has been done by his government about the myriad problems facing the country.
Should a man who is such a failure as a leader be rewarded with a second term? We think not. It would be such a travesty of justice. But the ANC will, in all probability, think otherwise.
T MARKANDAN | Durban