Zuma's address...disappointing, wasn't it?

By Zukiswa Mqolomba

Firstly, I would like to welcome the input from the progressive alliance, particularly of the ANCYL, for its rather generous appraisal of the State of the Nation address. Individual loyalties generally die hard, even in the face of damning sentiment reflected by its receipt by mainstream society. When we are willing to defend and accept mediocrity as the norm, as organic youth and thinking masses, then you know these are seasons of relative bareness indeed. Something an aspirant nation must gravely be concerned about.

Let us seek to lead, not to mislead, dear friends. This generation of youth carries the burden to innovate, to think and analyse objectively, to give honest critique and to engage qualitatively on all things affecting our beloved nation.

You must remember, we do stand on the shoulders of giants, history attests.

I, therefore, must differ with this appraisal and on substantive grounds. We must remember, particularly as so-called-revolutionaries, that we must always expect as much, critique much, contend with much and raise the bar. We should expect nothing less than excellence from leaders of a revolution. We must engage all things — engage critically and objectively. We must question all things, raise issue, give constructive criticisms and be honest in our analysis.

My first critique of the State of the Nation address is that it lacked strategic focus and political lustre. My novice understanding is that the address actually has a political and strategic purpose in shaping the life (perceived and real) of a nation. That is why it is delivered by the head of state and not its foot soldiers. It is actually intended to set the political and strategic agenda for the government and parliament, and set the pace for workmanship. It is meant to give a critique (politically, economically, socially) of the state of the nation as the name dictates, and then INSPIRE confidence in the government’s programme to address national interests. It’s not simply mean to itemise government activity items (as you would expect in a cabinet memo or programme of action) but to inspire confidence in government’s political and strategic programme to respond to the nation’s need and aspirations.

Activity items are intended to bear evidence of an agenda in motion, and can’t dominate an entire address of this nature. Facts/statistics/quotas alone have never changed the hearts and minds of ordinary people like us. People remember messages/themes/purposeful intent.

The greatest of all statesman, orators and speech-writers have conceded to this. They are remembered in society’s history books. This is something that his speech-writers must be cognisant of the next time round.

My feeling is that the address was rushed and that little rehearsal work went into it. I do, however, acknowledge that I might be very wrong in my assertions and if so serious concerns definitely resurface.

Secondly, I think the cry is for concrete achievements, strategic detail and inspiration should be considered legitimately and not taken as neither here nor there mediocrities.

Mainstream society, particularly public service, is full of demotivated, demoralised public servants who are expected to deliver on the promises of new South Africa. Motivation and national morale matters as much as competence to achieve deliverables on service-delivery promises. So let’s not except either/ors. Dynamism and an ability to inspire whole nations is an intrinsic part of leadership. An inspired and motivated workman, who’s clear of his leaders’ vision and tasks at hands, is surely a productive workman. These are intrinsic components in cultivating workmanship in public service particularly.

An uninspiring, rhetorical speech with overstated government plans (with no concrete tasks or achievements) has the potential to demotivate, to actually do more harm than good.

Thirdly, I agreed with Comrade Vavi’s appraisal about the substantive omissions of the president’s address (whether purposefully or by oversight). The president’s omissions, however, demonstrate a glaring strategic aloofness on issues of economic crisis, macro-economic transformation, structural and deepening poverty and unemployment, decent work, labour brokering, civic society unrest and the need to deepen the national debate on nationalisation; all these are at the forefront of national interest. Lack of pronouncements on key strategic issues tends to reflect lack of leadership in part and competing ideals or considerations in other, or both.

We must, however, guard against undue mockery of the Office of the President for its own sake.

Some media comments, such as “JZ was probably thinking about his next lay” has tended to be substantively shallow and a bit too below the belt. This practice of public discourse we should ferociously guard against. Having said that, however, we too should read the undertones and ask ourselves: “Are the sentiments as captured by mainstream media reflective of the views of ordinary South Africans, our electorate?”

Secondly, we do need to ask serious questions about the integrity of the Office of the President and whether public commentary is critical and accurate in its analysis or fair and just in its judgments. If yes, then the president must begin to rise to the occasion (no pun intended) as mediocrity cannot be celebrated, especially in the name of the cabinet and the ANC. If no, then progressive forces must rally in strong defence of our leader and state categorically “not in the name of our president!”

Whatever one’s verdict, one thing is glaringly evident: what South Africa needs right now as a nation is a CLEARLY ARTICULATED VISION AND ACTION.

ACTION — we want action. A-C-T- I-O-N!

We need BOLD leadership, VISIONARY leadership, EXAMPLARY leadership, INSPIRING leadership … with an unquestionable LEGACY and footprint in the heart and mind of its society that demands GREATNESS of nations.

Manifestations of mediocrity must be condemned at all levels of the state and spheres of society. A developmental state can only be built on the backbone of a focused and well-articulated vision, strategic and tactical planning, unwavering state capacity and effective administration.

Zukiswa Mqolomba is completing her master’s degree in social sciences at the University of Cape Town. This article reflects her personal opinions.