To Thabo or not to Thabo

That is indeed the question today!

Except for showing the confusion among the people of South Africa, this also gives us an idea of the fickle state of the South African media. Unfortunately, media reports often form public opinion and therefore influence thinking among our people.

Post-Polokwane saw massive public sympathy for Thabo Mbeki due to journalists aiming to (erroneously) inform the public that Jacob Zuma “stole” the ANC presidency from Mbeki, many failing to highlight the fact that the elections were run on firm democratic principles. Mbeki was elevated to the status of almost a demi-god, with many reports on his “good presidency”, both in the ANC and government.

But how the tide has turned — because of one statement. Or rather, one part of a statement. “There is no crisis in Zimbabwe” is the new scorn riding South Africa, Zimbabwe and the rest of the world. Of course, as the adage goes, a picture speaks a thousand words — the picture being Mbeki and Mugabe walking hand in hand on the tarmac of the airport in Harare. This picture has now become the avenue of showing Mbeki’s deep-rooted support for the “despot”.

On the other hand, Zuma and the ANC are calling for a new mediation process and want to review the ANC’s relationship with Zanu-PF, a relationship cemented by combined anti-apartheid activities, especially the Wankie campaign.

Mbeki’s almost defensive-offensive replies to journalists at the media conference at the UN on Thursday really baffles my mind. Here, he had an excellent opportunity to explain himself and the “no crisis” statement. Instead, he opted to act as if everyone was questioning his reasoning and intellect!

But my real point is that, while a “Zuma blunder” inevitably becomes a “Mbeki positive” in the media (even when Mbeki is doing nothing contrary to that “blunder”), why is no one highlighting the fact that a “Mbeki blunder” (like now with Zim) is a “Zuma positive”, especially in the light of Zuma contradicting Mbeki and showing a pro-active approach to finding a solution?