KP Week-End (2/13/2010): South Africa Now
I love reading and talking about South Africa. One of the initial inspirations I had to launch Outsiders was the carnage in Zimbabwe and how South Africa was failing. South Africa showed the whole world about what was possible when visionary statesmen could step up and ultimately do the right thing for the sake of the Nation. Nelson Mandela was the epidomy of this. This week saw the 20th anniversary of his release from prison after 27 years.
I had a chance to attend the live coverage of Jacob Zuma's speech on this anniversary. Jacob Zuma delayed his State of the Nation Speech. I remember the day when Nelson Mandela walked out of Victor Vester. It was a joyous day. I also remember when he made the rounds of world capitals. I remember when he visited the United States and spoke for 15 minutes nonstop without notes as President George H.W. Bush looked on, whereby he noted that he was there to provide a "proper briefing" on the situation in the Country. But, he brought the country together and I saw a country who was grateful as he entered Parliament.
I am of the view that the promise is yet to be realized, though. Despite mocking Jacob Zuma on his private life, I am fascinated by how he has been able to conduct himself as President. He reminds me of Bill Clinton in many ways. I have seen polls that 77 percent of South Africans seem to be approving of him. Although I have noted how his actions must be such to be a model for all, his private and public life needs to be separate. The Grand Canyon that continues to exist between the rich and the poor in South Africa has to be overcome. If South Africa does not overcome, then Africa cannot overcome. From what I have seen of Jacob Zuma and the speech he gave at his Annual State of the Nation speech, I believe that he understands that.
I had a chance to attend the live coverage of Jacob Zuma's speech on this anniversary. Jacob Zuma delayed his State of the Nation Speech. I remember the day when Nelson Mandela walked out of Victor Vester. It was a joyous day. I also remember when he made the rounds of world capitals. I remember when he visited the United States and spoke for 15 minutes nonstop without notes as President George H.W. Bush looked on, whereby he noted that he was there to provide a "proper briefing" on the situation in the Country. But, he brought the country together and I saw a country who was grateful as he entered Parliament.
I am of the view that the promise is yet to be realized, though. Despite mocking Jacob Zuma on his private life, I am fascinated by how he has been able to conduct himself as President. He reminds me of Bill Clinton in many ways. I have seen polls that 77 percent of South Africans seem to be approving of him. Although I have noted how his actions must be such to be a model for all, his private and public life needs to be separate. The Grand Canyon that continues to exist between the rich and the poor in South Africa has to be overcome. If South Africa does not overcome, then Africa cannot overcome. From what I have seen of Jacob Zuma and the speech he gave at his Annual State of the Nation speech, I believe that he understands that.
Mike Pouraryan
