Over the last few years, several friends from the African continent confidently shared that the next president of the Rainbow Nation, that is South Africa, would be a person who belonged to the Zulu tribe, and more importantly an African National Congress activist who was active in the ‘bush’ during the struggle against apartheid. While the unfolding political events witness the replacement of Thabo Mbeki from the presidentship of the ANC, to be replaced by Jacob Zuma, one cannot help but wonder whether the prediction of the past, is a matter of sheer coincidence that is being lived out today.
Legendary political tales among the Africans reveal intense backdoor negotiations within the South African political parties during the political process with the apartheid government in the early 1990s. The ANC itself was aligned into three different political view points. The first bloc represented those at Robben Islands led by Nelson Mandela; the second was the ANC exiled government in waiting, who were already projecting Thabo Mbeki to be the first President of a new South Africa; and the third group represented the views of activist in the ‘bush’ led by emerging leaders like Chris Hani.
It was therefore not surprising that FW de Clerk, president of South Africa, preferred to enter into negotiations with ANC leaders who were imprisoned at Robben Islands. They were not only the most vulnerable section of the ANC, but as one can understand, considering their situation, they reflected a more liberal position in terms of a solution. This position was not quite shared by the exiled ANC government based in ‘diplomatic missions’ in friendly countries. Neither was it supported by ANC leaders in the ‘bush’ whose number were swelling as their struggle gained international recognition. The latter two groups both perceived the Robben Islands standpoint as a compromise, and one that has had far reaching consequences in the socio-economic conditions, even in post-apartheid era.
Notwithstanding these different perspectives, it was quite evident that the ANC now had a willing partner in the form of de Clerk, who was quite willing to negotiate a transition of a democratic South Africa. It was an opportunity that could not be missed. Ultimately, it was Mandela in all his wisdom that led the ANC through this complex phase of negotiations. And when the agreement was sealed, the ANC now had to address the even more difficult issue of leadership within its own rank and files, and with the worsening relationship with the Zulu Inkatha Freedom Party, the stakes were high.
The issue of leadership was a difficult and one which was constantly growing and surviving within the complexities of the situation. Most of the leaders had either been assassinated as in the case of Bantu Steve Biko, imprisoned like Mandela or were running a government in exile. Leaders like Chris Hani had large support base, while Mandela had the respect of the people and was the chief architect of the negotiations. However within the international community, it was government in exile with people like Mbeki who were being projected as the new president. With the assassination of Chris Hani in April 10, 1993, the race for leadership was now between Robben Islands and the government in exile.
Finally, it was Nelson Mandela who secured the opportunity to become the first president of the new South Africa. The nation needed his charisma, leadership and integrity to lead them out of a highly divided society towards a new society of peace and equality through healing and reconciliation. This understanding however came with conditions. Considering his weakness in administrative, it was decided that Mandela would be the president for only one term. He would then be replaced with Mbeki who represented the government in exile during the struggle, who had greater experience and knowledge of the art of administration and running a government. To satisfy all viewpoints, it was then agreed that the ANC leaders representing the ‘bush’ would be given the opportunity to take leadership role after Mbeki. The question of Zulu leadership was by default, because neither Mandela nor Mbeki are Zulus. Hence in this tripartite rotation all factors of representation were considered.
Drawing from these details that were passed on to me, I now come to the issue of Jacob Zuma, and the power of Zunami. Some of Zuma’s actions and behaviors are indeed questionable, but one cannot just negate the fact that he still had to overcome popular notion and persuade people that he was the right person to lead ANC. With impending charges of corruption against him, it is still too early to say whether Zuma would in fact become the state president, thereby fulfilling the prophecies.
The question remains, is it sheer coincidence for a person who was once deputy-president, only to be sacked and throw out to the wilderness of politics; and now return victorious? I guess only heaven knows. But what I do know is that Zuma, for one is a Zulu and second, having been an active member of Umkhonto We Sizwe (ANC armed wing); he does reflect the politics of those in the ‘bush.’
I cannot help but feel that the power of Zunami is in fact, the forces of history living out its contract with destiny.
