Beyond Mandela

One of the most striking features of Nelson Mandela's memorial service last week is that the current South African President, Jacob Zuma, was roundly booed - even the mere mention of misname drew the opprobrium of the assembled crowd.

Now in one sense that's understandable because who could follow Nelson Mandela's sense of selflessness and obvious sacrifices on behalf of his people - without which the old racist, apartheid state might still be in power to this day.

The evident frustration of the black majority population is understandable as well because while the current crop of leaders have enriched themselves and now live comfortable lives in the new South Africa - far too many of the country's citizens (almost all black) still live in poverty stricken stricken towns.  

And some of the new generation of black leaders appear to have overstepped the mark including the six times married Jacob Zuma - which might help to explain why he has lost his people's affection and support.

One young man, Zizipho Mzati, told the press:  

“I want Zuma to hear from that stage me saying: ‘I hate you’. Everyone can see Zuma is corrupt. Spending three million rand on upgrading his house when there are children living under bridges. I hate Zuma. I hate him.” 

Apparently South Africa’s public prosecutor Thuli Madonsela is investigating the 250 million rand spent on security upgrades to the President’s country residence in KwaZulu Natal (his home province) and whether public money was misspent on features including a swimming pool, a tuck shop and chicken coops.

But the prosecutor's report which was due to be published last week - has now been delayed until after Nelson Mandela’s funeral.

South Africa faces a new round of elections next year and it will be interesting to see what happens because while the country is now a democracy - the reality is that it has in practice operated as a one-party state in government, under the African National Congress (ANC) which has been in power continuously since the fall of apartheid and Mandela's election as President in 1994.

Like most parties in power for a very long time, without serious challenge or competition, the ANC has grown fat and lazy - which is why someone like Jacob Zuma now stands in Nelson Mandela's shoes.