Staying positive, working and praying for change - Jacob Zuma's nomination...
Monday, November 26, 2007 at 9:21AM 
Much of my ministry and adult life has been spent working in black South African communities, and living in predominantly black communities. I have had to learn a great deal about the power of collectivism.
It has astonished me how the community has the power to silence dissident voices for the common good. I see it often. Even though many persons feel a sense of disquiet about something they will submit to the view of the majority and not voice their concerns.
Perhaps I still have some further growing to do in this regard. I feel that I cannot keep silent on this one.
I was alarmed to hear on the morning news that Mr Jacob Zuma has won an overwhelming majority of the nomination votes to be the next President of the ANC (the ruling party in Southern Africa). If you are outside of South Africa you may not be up to date who Jacob Zuma is. Among other things he has:
1. Been dismissed as the Deputy President of South Africa.
2. Was implicated in a sex scandal where he had unprotected sex with an HIV Positive woman (while heading up the South African campaign for moral regeneration).
3. Is at the center of the 'arms' fiasco, having clearly shown dubious moral and ethical principles in procuring arms contracts, awarding tenders, and taking bribes.
It concerns me that we live in a country where a person who has a track record like this would be considered for high office! Surely we require someone with greater integrity and moral standing than this?
Moreover, there are some further human rights concerns looming if this man is to be the next president of the ruling part (which is only a few small steps from the presidency):
1. He has vowed to re-instate the death penalty.
2. He has made some infamatory and debasing remarks about persons who have a a same sex orientation.
I worry... Is this the begining of the end?
Please forgive me for my pessimism! I desperately want to believe that our nation has the capacity for success. This begins with making some tough and informed choices! We need outstanding leadership, not leaders who are fraught with controversy and scandal.
I shall be praying that my attitude changes. I shall also be praying that we have enough sense to do what is courageous and right.
God bless Africa
Guard her children
Guide her leaders
Give her peace.
Technorati tags: Jacob Zuma, ANC President, unwise, pray
Reader Comments (4)
Hi,
The news this morning also got me in a stew! I don't want to be a pessimist either. I do my best to find the positive somewhere even though it's sometimes hard to find. What gets me about Zuma is his lack of moral credibility. He will sell out for getting his way by the looks of it. I did read an article in the Witness some time back that looked at Zuma from a positive angle. I wish I could remember the argument... shows you how little good was there? GOD BLESS AFRICA
What gets me is the laager attitude that is still with us. The current following that can put such a name forward for high office.
We still seem to live in the past and have a serious moral problem and a real dilemma for our country. Yet it is in the Lord's hands. We have been warned from scripture about times to come.But also a new command. So we have faith, hope and love and the greatest of these overcomes all even sin.
Is there a good candidate for the presidency? I fear that if Mbeki succeeds and changes the constitution in order to stand for a third term, that we will have another long-term African leader. History does not speak well of these leaders. Zuma may even be arrested in his first year of office. But then again, he'll be able to give himself a presidential pardon. Ai-tog!
For an excellent summary of the entire Zuma issue you need to read this article - http://www.homecomingrevolution.co.za/hcrblog/?p=320
It is one of the best I have read regarding Zuma and the sucession battle.