Zuma, Ramaphosa lowered the bar

In the past (pre- and post-democracy), ANC presidents were quality leaders. They were erudite, visionaries and thinkers. Not only that, they were also widely respected for their good and excellent leadership.

The oldest political party in Africa has produced two Nobel peace prize winners. These leaders are also quoted in the leadership and political speeches. They are also subjects of masters and PhD theses.

However, the last two presidents of the ANC in the democratic era are a huge disappointment. I’m referring to Jacob Zuma, pictured, and Cyril Ramaphosa. They both have lowered the bar.

However, my focus will be on Zuma. Since the dawn of our democracy, there is no ANC president who has appeared before courts like Zuma. He did not only appear in court for political reasons, but also for corruption.

When he was accused of corruption, he said he wanted to have his day in court.

Yet when the opportunity presented itself for him to have his day in court, he exploited every avenue not to go to court.

Additionally, there is no ANC president who has been to jail post-apartheid except for Zuma.

In 2021, he spent about three months in jail for defying the

Zondo commission.

He was released on parole by his controversial ally Arthur Fraser.

He is also the only former governing party leader who has no matric. Others had PhDs, masters and honours degrees. Their education helped them understand simple and complex issues.

Zuma is regarded as an elder in the ANC. When the governing party has problems and challenges, it consult its elders. However, I doubt if Ramaphosa’s party consults the former president when it needs advice and guidance.

Zuma was supposed to be relaxing at his Nkandla homestead and spending quality time with his grandchildren. Instead, he is spending his valuable time in court, defending himself or fighting Billy Downer and Karyn Maughan. When is this madness going to stop? Thabile Mange