South Africa: How Do We Get Rid of Jacob Zuma and Rebuild Democracy?

opinion

The latest revelations of gangster connections with President Jacob Zuma have shocked a South African public that has become accustomed to scandal. The level of criminality that emerges in extracts from Jacques Pauw's new book nevertheless evokes astonishment. Immediately, members of the public ask why he remains in office. Zuma has, however, demonstrated that he will not be easily dislodged no matter what has been demonstrated about the scale of his misdemeanours. It is important that efforts to remove Zuma and rebuild our democracy recognise that existing constitutional institutions need to be augmented and draw on the popular anger that has been demonstrated. It needs to build an enduring unity between sections of business, the poor and all other concerned citizens. Until now such actions have been sporadic. Efforts need to be made to build unity that is not episodic, but organised in order to have actors reflect on what they have done and plan - with one another -- on a regular basis. Such patient work may seem problematic in the light of the dire situation in the country, but it may be a precondition for building the power that can recover our democratic aspirations. By RAYMOND SUTTNER.

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