Zuma-Bullard : We really don't give Msholozi enough credit

One of the main accusations levelled against ANC president Jacob Zuma is that he has a tendency to tell people what they want to hear, flip–flopping his way through to whatever is
expedient at the time of asking. In my book, his agreeing to meet former Sunday Times columnist David Bullard at his home and then unreservedly accepting his apology, makes a mockery of that image.

As set out in the article referred to above, Bullard had written two unkind articles about Zuma which led to an action for defamation being instituted against both the paper and the columnist.

In light thereof, and the basis for Bullard’s column being terminated, the expedient and popular thing to do would have been to reject any advances made to Zuma, gloating at his adversary’s misfortune.

He elected to rise above that and in accordance therewith, my opinion of him has risen immeasurably.

David Bullard, as I said previously, is a superstar of the South African media. Amid an avalanche of criticism, he has refrained from hiding or playing the victim and has emerged as a much stronger and wiser person for it. If anything has demonstrated his love for South Africa it has been his decision to weather this storm, as well as a shooting incident last year, and cling to the land he obviously adores.

In both cases, Zuma and Bullard, we have witnessed some of the Madiba magic: To forgive those who have hurt us and to try again.

But the Zuma issue does not end there. More and more, we are seeing the people of this country warm to the man who defused the crisis in Kwazulu–Natal prior to our first multiracial election. Moreover his trip overseas recently was considered to be a great success by all who met him, his friendly nature signalling a warm wind of change blowing through the southern tip of Africa.

As I have repeatedly said on this blog, the time has come to provide certainty for the future of this country. In light of events emerging at the Ginwala inquiry, and quite frankly wherever else you look, even if the prosecutors don’t withdraw the charges against Zuma, an amnesty should be granted to the ANC president. My reasons have been set out in the blog at length but each day that passes I become more convinced that this is the right way to go.

As we are seeing, Zuma unites the people of this country. We are witnessing the SACP and Cosatu coming into their own as a positive force, and the re–emergence of Tokyo Sexwale and Cyril Rhamaposa. Capitalism with a social conscience? Who could ask for more?

In addition, I believe that the ANC and the government should reverse their decision on the Scorpions. It is ludicrous to destroy one of our crack units because of the accusations made against them. Like the SABC, where you have parties who do not come up to expectation, you replace them — you do not destroy the entire structure. The Scorpions are a well disciplined unit that follows orders. Turn their death sentence into one of life in service.

I would have used Eskom as my example but apparently their debacle is considered by some to be a “blessing in disguise”. Must be one helluva disguise. The mother of all South African Halloween Parties? For some reason, this mob seems to be as immoveable as a certain despot just north of here.

While there are still many many problems that remain, South Africa is starting to see just a tiny sliver of light breaking through the clouds.

Either that or I must remember to restock the stuff I’m smoking.