President Jacob Zuma’s first 100 days in office have been a baptism by fire. There have been messy and violent service-delivery protests and strikes, coupled with the country’s first recession in 17 years.
Zuma acknowledged in late July that the government had fallen short of expectations in the past 15 years. In a speech in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, he said the protests proved that there was much work to be done, but asked South Africans to desist from violence.
These will be cold words of comfort for the millions of South Africans still living in chilly shacks with little or no refuse collection.
On Zimbabwe, there has been little movement. Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai briefed Zuma on how Zimbabwe’s six-month old unity government is faring, just before United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on the president to help Zimbabwe cope with what she called the “negative effects” of Mugabe’s leadership.
Tsvangirai claims there is a crackdown his Movement for Democratic Change members.
Mugabe has not toned down his rhetoric, lashing out this week at “racist” Western states wary of the power sharing deal.
“The West seeks to divide us and disturb our peace. If they do not want to deal with us why should we continue to want their help,” he said.
Zuma may well have more leverage than former president Thabo Mbeki, now that there is a political deal in place, if only in name, but whether he will be able to nudge the long-time leader into retirement is an open question.
Zuma has also remained silent regarding the utterances of ANC youth league leader Julius Malema, which is either a blessing or a curse, depending on your point of view.
| NOT SO FAST |
NOT SO FAST |
Schabir Shaik
There have been reports that Shaik has been out and about recently. We’re not against quality family time and begrudge no man his right to spend time with his kids, but we were led to believe Shaik was on his deathbed — or close to it. That’s why he was released on medical parole. Wasn’t it? |
 Burma’s junta
Burma’s military rulers have ordered Aung San Suu Kyi back into detention for another 18 months. China, predictably, said the world should respect Burma’s judicial sovereignty. |
Most-read stories
August 6 to 12
1. ‘I am not going to shake a white man’s hand’
President Jacob Zuma’s legal woes split the legal profession, including judges, right down the middle and Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe believes his sin was to side with the ANC president.
2. Take2: Julius is my bitch
Oh, how I love Julius Malema. I can’t help it. I’m besotted with his chubby little face, his gimlet eyes, his petulant lips. He’s like a cross between an unshaven Britney Spears and crack cocaine, except with half the talent and twice as addictive.
3. Ngcobo is chief justice … but for how long?
Will Judge Sandile Ngcobo be chief justice for just two years before giving way, perhaps to controversial Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe? Or could he keep the job for half a decade?
4. Drawing the bikini line on toplessness
Rosie, my 17-year-old, flew to Corfu with her friends last weekend for what I’m sure will be a wild teenage holiday.
5. A new beginning in Zimbabwe?
Schools and hospitals returning to life. Food in the supermarkets and queues at the tills. Investors flying in and refugees coming home. Independent newspapers due for launch and international media broadcasting openly.
6. Hlophe denies mentioning Buthelezi to M&G
Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe on Tuesday denied mentioning IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi or the Zulu king in an interview with the Mail & Guardian.
7. Take2: Let Schabir drive his BMW
So fraud convict Schabir Shaik was spotted driving around Durban with his black BMW, buying balloons for his kid and probably getting some take-away pasta from Spiga d’Oro.
8. Mugabe ‘preparing for war’, warns DA
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe is stockpiling arms and ammunition and preparing for war, the Democratic Alliance (DA) warned on Thursday.
9. What Hillary wants from SA
The United States government is hoping Hillary Clinton’s visit will pave the way to US military bases on African soil.
10. Zuma looks to Ngcobo as new chief justice
President Jacob Zuma has nominated Constitutional Court Judge Sandile Ngcobo to replace Judge Pius Langa, who retires from the position of chief justice later this year.