South Africa is holding its presidential elections on April 22nd. It is certain that the African National Congress (ANC) will win, as it has since the first truly democratic elections were held in 1994. Jacob Zuma, the ANC leader is equally certain to become the next President of South Africa. However, this raises several concerns especially among whites in South Africa. An article entitled “Voting for the People’s Man” in The Economist discusses the implications of Zuma becoming the nation’s next President.
First, Zuma has a shady background. He lacks formal education. He’s an outright polygamist with six wives. He has revealed an irresponsible attitude towards HIV and AIDS. He was charged with rape in 2005 but acquitted. He was a member of the ANC underground as head of intelligence during a time of which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission accused the ANC of “gross violations of human rights” and of “routine [use of] torture to extract information.” Above all, though, he has fought a long legal battle concerning “charges of corruption, racketeering, tax-evasion, money-laundering and fraud.” Furthermore Zuma has made worrisome comments that hint at sinister plans. For example, he has said he wants to review the court system, which has found against him. And his loathing of the press, which has not been kind to him, suggests he might try to censor it. Still, Zuma is adored by many as a man of the people.
Zuma will face some major challenges as South Africa’s next President. South Africa is experiencing its first recession in 16 years and has one of the world’s highest murder rates. On the other hand, the ANC has kept South Africa stable for the past fifteen years, has enabled its economy to grow and has had some impressive achievements. For instance, the ANC has set up a broad-based welfare state and has provided low-cost housing to some ten million people.
Still, it is undetermined whether Zuma will continue to lead South Africa on its path of democratic progress and economic growth or whether he’ll allow South Africa to sink into despotism.
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