Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) – “Flat and uninspiring” was how the Parliamentary Liaison Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) described the State of the Nation Address given by South African President Jacob Zuma on February 11, in front of Parliament in Cape Town.
In a declaration sent to Fides, it affirms that: “What seems particularly to have disappointed many South Africans, though, is Zuma’s failure to acknowledge what is perceived to be a lack of clarity and unity at the highest levels of the governing party and of government itself; and to say what he intends to do about it. The patent ideological tensions between the ANC (African National Congress) Youth League and various cabinet ministers, for example, received no comment. Likewise, the open rivalry between the backers of the present secretary general of the ANC, Gwede Mantashe, and those who wish to see him replaced by the former youth leader, Fikile Mbalula, was ignored.”
“Ordinary citizens, let alone commentators, are fully conscious that such rivalries lend themselves to empire-building, lobbying, grandstanding, and all kinds of political machinations; but certainly not to the simple task of getting on with running the county and delivering social goods. Zuma’s tendency to overlook the simple fact that the crew on board the ship of state appears too often to be rowing in different directions raises serious questions about his fitness as Captain,” the document says, although it shows openness to a change in direction. “In the coming days and weeks cabinet ministers will flesh out the plans and targets announced in very broad terms by Zuma. It will be necessary and instructive to observe just how much detail they are able to provide, and how they intend to move from intention to implementation. If they do indeed set out measurable, practicable and affordable goals, and tell us exactly how they will achieve them, then much of the vagueness of Zuma’s speech will be accepted and excused.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 15/2/2010)
