The business of politics by marcashton
Before I start I would like to emphasise that this site is not a political soapbox for me to harp on about my political views and personal opinions of politicians (shiver"??). However this is a business to business publication and the publication is expected to make some comments on the business environment in South Africa and the role local politicians play in stimulating a positive climate.
I attended a presentation this week that focused on South Africa post the 2010 soccer world cup. At the moment the country is being swept along by the euphoria of business, construction and infrastructural boom. However we"??re not exactly sure what South Africa will look like after this. A crucial point that was raised at this presentation was that both Mbeki and Mandela were already selected as presidents long before their elections took place. This time around nothing is as cut and dried.
Another fundamental difference though, is that whoever is ultimately elected as president, will have a lot more flexibility in senior cabinet and municipal appointments. Instead of having to appoint token candidates from the "??Struggle"?? days, the president can now appoint people with a lot more business acumen and hopefully this will filter through to improved service delivery at municipal levels.
HOWEVER "?" and this is crucial "??. The Zuma and Mugabe PR machines have kicked into overdrive this week and there are some worrying "??Populist"?? similarities popping out. This week Mugabe was handing out computers, tractors and the like as he starts trying to win votes ahead of his next presidential elections. Jacob Zuma on the other side has been making all the right noises "?" Death Penalty, Business, education etc. etc.
And then he began to lambaste Mbeki in the media"?? Not good. A leadership transition in a critical time like this should be seamless. The change should be perceived as being the next positive step forward, not a run down of the guy you are trying to replace.
Political posturing is one thing but a violent swing into a "??Populist"?? campaign is not the way to go. The President will have plenty of time to lead the country and implement policy changes down the line but Zuma is making a crucial error if he thinks that coming out with a Populist campaign is the way to go.
There is a saying that history repeats itself and Zuma should remember that many of the problems that the South Africa is currently facing are as a direct result of a large segment of the community who have become disenchanted with politicians who failed to deliver. They were promised the world and saw very little of the housing, jobs and cars that they thought were coming.
I have a very strong opinion that Zuma will not win this election but there is another role that people will need to remember"??. If Zuma does not win the election there is likely to be a lot of uncertainty and distrust along the lines of what we saw in Kenya recently. This is where a strong and respected leader will be so important. If Zuma cannot step up to the plate, then he is pushing us right to the edge of the cliff.
Gentlemen "?" business South Africa is counting on you to keep this thing together "?" I hope you are up to the challenge.
About the author Marc Ashton is managing editor of ManufacturingHub.co.za "?" www.manufacturinghub.co.za "?" the publication provides news and information to the South Africa Food, Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Cosmetic Manufacturing industries.
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory
Before I start I would like to emphasise that this site is not a political soapbox for me to harp on about my political views and personal opinions of politicians (shiver"??). However this is a business to business publication and the publication is expected to make some comments on the business environment in South Africa and the role local politicians play in stimulating a positive climate.
I attended a presentation this week that focused on South Africa post the 2010 soccer world cup. At the moment the country is being swept along by the euphoria of business, construction and infrastructural boom. However we"??re not exactly sure what South Africa will look like after this. A crucial point that was raised at this presentation was that both Mbeki and Mandela were already selected as presidents long before their elections took place. This time around nothing is as cut and dried.
Another fundamental difference though, is that whoever is ultimately elected as president, will have a lot more flexibility in senior cabinet and municipal appointments. Instead of having to appoint token candidates from the "??Struggle"?? days, the president can now appoint people with a lot more business acumen and hopefully this will filter through to improved service delivery at municipal levels.
HOWEVER "?" and this is crucial "??. The Zuma and Mugabe PR machines have kicked into overdrive this week and there are some worrying "??Populist"?? similarities popping out. This week Mugabe was handing out computers, tractors and the like as he starts trying to win votes ahead of his next presidential elections. Jacob Zuma on the other side has been making all the right noises "?" Death Penalty, Business, education etc. etc.
And then he began to lambaste Mbeki in the media"?? Not good. A leadership transition in a critical time like this should be seamless. The change should be perceived as being the next positive step forward, not a run down of the guy you are trying to replace.
Political posturing is one thing but a violent swing into a "??Populist"?? campaign is not the way to go. The President will have plenty of time to lead the country and implement policy changes down the line but Zuma is making a crucial error if he thinks that coming out with a Populist campaign is the way to go.
There is a saying that history repeats itself and Zuma should remember that many of the problems that the South Africa is currently facing are as a direct result of a large segment of the community who have become disenchanted with politicians who failed to deliver. They were promised the world and saw very little of the housing, jobs and cars that they thought were coming.
I have a very strong opinion that Zuma will not win this election but there is another role that people will need to remember"??. If Zuma does not win the election there is likely to be a lot of uncertainty and distrust along the lines of what we saw in Kenya recently. This is where a strong and respected leader will be so important. If Zuma cannot step up to the plate, then he is pushing us right to the edge of the cliff.
Gentlemen "?" business South Africa is counting on you to keep this thing together "?" I hope you are up to the challenge.
About the author Marc Ashton is managing editor of ManufacturingHub.co.za "?" www.manufacturinghub.co.za "?" the publication provides news and information to the South Africa Food, Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Cosmetic Manufacturing industries.
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory