Zuma’s done nothing to debunk ‘Zombie’ insult
US’S role in destabilising Middle East
THE article in last week’s Sunday Tribune (July 2), “Zuma’s son attacks ‘uneducated jibe’ at his father”, refers.
Edward Zuma’s umbrage at a Facebook post by Ravi Govender in which he described Jacob Zuma as a “Zombie” and an “uneducated creature” is understandable. As a son, one can accept that as a dutiful response.
However, while the derogatory caricature that was intimated with regards to the president may sound arguably harsh, much of the criticism and ridicule levelled at Zuma was self-inflicted or invited by a disturbing effrontery displayed by Zuma that tarnished his image almost irreparably.
While Govender’s exuberant Facebook post may be perceived as unfair, unjust or uncalled for, the reality exists that Jacob Zuma’s gross ineptitude as a president and his often questionable decisions led to condemnation in all forms and from all quarters.
The term “zombie” would colloquially refer to a dull or apathetic person. While the alternate meaning would refer to a corpse revived by witchcraft, I would be loath to believe that Govender had this in mind.
Zuma’s almost recalcitrant lethargy in leading South Africa on the straight and narrow, ceding to the infidelities of corruption, cronyism and governmental malpractice, would naturally invite opinions that may be unbecoming.
In many quarters he is seen as a bellwether, leading likeminded cohorts on the path of political damnation. It has cost us a reputation of being a leading nation on the continent, akin to banana republics of yore.
While I agree with sociopolitical expert, Dr Bheki Mngomezulu that our country “has a long way to go in terms of social cohesion and nation building”, I also believe that such concepts must be nurtured by the very people elected to build this nation. Zuma in particular has failed miserably in this respect.
While controversial and vitriolic outbursts may lay bare what could be construed as sinister or racist intonations, the truth remains that Zuma has done nothing to allay the seething discontent that reverberates almost daily against him as a president.
Without condoning Govender’s post, I would suggest to Edward Zuma that he would better serve the nation by advising his father to act and conduct himself befitting of what a president should be, instead of trying to eviscerate those that are at the end of their tether with Jacob Zuma.
NARENDH GANESH Durban North
THE disorder in Iraq has gravely affected the broader Middle East. The instability in the Middle East has also contributed to the worst refugee crisis in Europe since the end of World War II.
Under the guise of fear for weapons of mass destruction (WMDS), the world was hyped into a false sense of urgency.
Years of investigations and monitoring had come up with no evidence that Iraq had WMDS. Three years later, Bush would admit that Saddam Hussein did not, in fact, have WMDS.
The war in Iraq entailed the use of brute force that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens and the displacement of over 2 million Iraqis from their homes.
And one of its “unintended consequences” was the creation of Islamic State.
The US deliberately dismantled Iraq’s professional army, police forces and security apparatus, along with the physical infrastructure of the country. The killing and maiming of Iraq’s non-combatant citizens might be “collateral damage” to the US and its allies, but they were the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, families, friends and colleagues of ordinary Iraqis. The Iraq war wasn’t an innocent mistake. The US invaded Iraq because the Bush administration wanted a war. E PEEK Glenwood