Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘The best thing Zuma ever did was resign’
WHAT is the best thing that Jacob Zuma has done during his nine years as president of South Africa?
For South Africa’s most famous puppet, Chester Missing, Zuma’s biggest contribution happened this week.
“He resigned. That is the best thing he has done,” says Missing.
Independent Media caught up with the comedian to chat about Zuma’s resignation and the country’s new president, Cyril Ramaphosa.
1.) Now that President Jacob Zuma is gone, where are you going to get your jokes from?
There are always political jokes! And much of my comedy is not about politics, in fact most of it is in a theatre space.
2.) You tweeted recently: What are white people going to complain about now that Zuma is gone?” What do you think white people are going to complain about now that Zuma is gone?
The things South Africans do: the weather, losing sports teams and calls from blocked numbers.
3.) How much of an upgrade are we getting with Cyril Ramaphosa?
We’ve gone from a BlackBerry to the new iPhone.
4.) What is the best Zuma joke you have ever told?
Wow. That’s a big question… “Jacob Zuma reads speeches so slowly it’s like someone is texting it to him one word at a time.”
5.) How would you sum up Zuma’s time as President of South Africa?
Disastrous.
6.) What was the best thing that Zuma did for South Africa? He resigned.
7.) What do you see Zuma doing now that he has resigned as president of South Africa?
About 25 to life.
8.) Which other South African politicians are your favourites to write jokes about and why? Helen Zille, because she is in the public eye and, love or hate her, she has lots of personality. Also Bantu Holomisa, because he has a great sense of humour. Julius is also hilariously funny, but the dynamics of race, class and how I write make it more complex. And Fikile Mbalula, because he’s also a muppet.