The Zuma phenomenon

Submitted by Setumo Stone

A question has been posed: What are the leadership qualities of Jacob Zuma?

Many would attempt to answer this question by reciting the theoretical bull-dust of 3 Rs, 9 Cs, 7Ps of leadership etc. Rather than defining reality and context, these highly intellectual formulae often describe and depict an “ideal” personality that does not exist.

In any case, Jacob Zuma surpasses the generally accepted traits of a leader. If we were to adopt the classic and deeper definition of a revolution as an agent of change, Jacob Zuma is the revolution itself.

What is this change?

1. A “perception” has been created that Zuma is immoral and lacks integrity. While I have a firm belief that this “perception” will be corrected come the 2009 general elections, it offered us an opportunity to reflect on our beliefs with regard to leadership and morality. It is precisely because of Jacob Zuma that this debate was elevated to national platform.
2. Jacob Zuma has become a topic for debate among the young and old. As a result, the “passive” young people, and those who had decided that politics were not worthy, have come back to engage in political discourse.
3. The “so-called” realignment of politics in South Africa can largely be attributed to the “hatred” of Jacob Zuma. Albeit a regrettable development in that it shifts the focus from social and economic change to political change, it has provided the nation with an opportunity to spot the difference between true democrats and opportunists

4. Zuma represents the rise and recognition of “organic” intellectuals. These are the type of leaders who are educated in the “streets”, and represent many in the majority who never had a chance to get formal academic qualifications.

Zuma vs globalisation
In addition, Zuma is firmly rooted in African traditions and customs. This offers us a chance to craft a localised identity. We now have an opportunity to ask: “Who are we and what do we have to sell to the world?” rather than “How do we fit into the world?”

The agents on globality argue that the world needs to move towards human commonality. As noble a concept as it is, human commonality has long being established in the Bible (i.e. all human being are children of God and all are created in His likeness). Our challenge, therefore, is to identify who we are and who the next person is, such that we would be able to distinguish and appreciate our commonalities.

“Societies are not the harmonious, value-unified ‘social systems’ dreamed up by functionalist sociologists.” — (Politics and Globalisation, London: Routledge, 1999).

This is the reality of our time. Lack of appreciation for these inherent “social systems” would inhibit us from working towards genuine social cohesion. Consequentially, these “social systems” are projected as competing concepts, rather than principles that could be allowed to co-exist. Therein lies the limitation in the concept of globality: it puts doubt on “traditional” or “indigenous” social systems.

The challenge facing us is a change in mindset and appreciation of local cultures. This would definitely affect our global outlook as a country, similar to “glocalisation” in Japan: “The creation of products or services intended for the global market, but customised to suit the local cultures” (www.wordspy.com).

If the Japanese succeeded in combining Western knowledge with Japanese philosophy, why can’t we combine Western knowledge with African philosophy?

Zuma and power
Many wonder how Zuma could appear to be so humble, when in fact he is a very powerful politician. To these individuals, Zuma’s humility in the face of his might raises suspicions as to whether he could be trusted.

However, it is important to note that contrary to popular belief, Jacob Zuma has never claimed the masses as his support base. The masses claimed Jacob Zuma as their leader. This was exhibited by thousands of ordinary men and women who gathered in support of Zuma throughout his court appearances. It therefore follows that Zuma’s “supposed” power lies not with him, but with the millions of South Africans behind him.

While Thabo Mbeki appeared to be more cautious about the “will of the market”, and how “he” could reconcile that with the “will of the masses”, Zuma appears to be more cautious about the “will of the masses” and how “we” could reconcile that with the “will of the market”. These are two diametrically opposite approaches. We might not agree, but this could just be “the change” we need.

How then do you begin to describe Jacob Zuma as a leader? He is much more. He represents a phenomenon.

“… One of [the] most prolific and controversial writers … his views have elicited scores of letters … strength in Setumo’s writing is that he is able to initiate new issues or cast a fresh light on existing ones.” — Peter Malherbe (editor — Reporter.co.za/Avusa Limited).