THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Mar 12 2010 02:47 | LAST UPDATED Mar 12 2010 02:47 |
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Public outrage over President Jacob Zuma's out-of-wedlock child has strained the ruling party and raised the stakes for his State of the Nation address on Thursday, analysts say. South Africa hardly murmured when its polygamous president married his third wife last month, even with another fiancée waiting in the wings. But news last week of his four-month-old daughter, the 20th child for the 67-year-old president, born to the daughter of top Soccer World Cup organiser Irvin Khoza, has been greeted with headlines like "Shame of the Nation". Cartoons depict Zuma at the podium in Parliament, delivering the State of the Nation address while rocking a crib. Editorials question his fitness for office. "If the president is unable to respect social boundaries such as those created through marriage, how can he be trusted to respect the boundaries erected in terms of the national Constitution's checks and balances?" Business Day wrote. Initially defending the love child as a personal matter, Zuma apologised on Saturday, saying he "regretted" the pain he had caused the nation. Lukewarm reception But the apology won a lukewarm reception, and the normally gregarious Zuma has studiously avoided public appearances -- taking two days' unscheduled leave last week, and cancelling a tour through a Cape Town township on Monday. "It's about the ANC [African National Congress] trying to minimise impromptu public contact and fearing if anything were to happen it would overshadow the State of the Nation address," said University of Witwatersrand political analyst Susan Booysen. "This couldn't have happened at a worse time," said Aubrey Matshiqi, of the Centre for Policy Studies. With strong labour backing, Zuma rose to the top of the ruling ANC two years ago after a bruising leadership battle with former president Thabo Mbeki. Months later, the party forced Mbeki to resign as head of state. Zuma took over the job after last year's general elections, but along the way rankled some of the top ANC, brass who questioned his abilities. "There has always been this myth that Zuma is loved by everybody," said political analyst Steven Friedman, of the Centre for the Study of Democracy. "There is a quite significant section of people who didn't like him, but voted for him because he was the only candidate against Mbeki" for leadership of the ANC, he said. Immediate challenge Even Zuma's allies in labour unions have appeared at a loss to respond to the latest scandal. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) initially declined to "pass judgement" on Zuma, but reiterated its support for using condoms to fight Aids. Cosatu welcomed Zuma's apology, but Matshiqi said the ruling party appeared "one apology away from a leadership crisis". "The immediate challenge would be to consolidate the forces that supported him" during his rise to power, Matshiqi added. Zuma's speech to Parliament, to be broadcast live during prime-time television, is expected to focus on the creation of decent work as the country recovers from last year's recession. Nelson Mandela will be seated nearby, to mark the 20th anniversary of his release from apartheid prison, symbolism Zuma had hoped to seize to promote his political agenda. Now analysts warn that unless he manages to win public opinion back to his side, Zuma could suffer from the comparison to former president Mandela, still seen as the nation's ethical beacon. Booysen said Zuma "is one of our big national symbols, and if people are laughing about this, it affects everyone. "South Africans want to be proud of their president and draw parallels to Madiba, who everyone is proud of." -- Sapa-AFP TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
Comments
Just before the public start funding this kid I would like to ask for a paternity test. We KNOW JZ doinked the mom... but so what?
Marius de Kock on February 10, 2010, 12:50 pm
*yawn* Not again this story is boring now
Xolani Sibisi on February 10, 2010, 1:09 pm
STALE NEWS, PLEASE BRING US NEWS WE DON'T KNOW.....MAJORITY OF COMMENTATORS HAVE NEVER LOVED ZUMA IN ANYWAY, HIS CONSTITUENCY IS STILL NOT DIVIDED........
lenate mogale on February 10, 2010, 1:18 pm
Xolani obvijas not boring enough for you not read about it and comment on it...
Despite your blind faith in dogma you are obvijasly addicted to the moral-hero's soap opera; Days of HIS wives. ...and you know if he (Big Daddy) is such a ticket could all those who claim to be JZ's children please step forward for a paternity test; before you board that next government funded local flight. Xolani for yours & the ANC's benefit; I have one last thing to say: BOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Intern Africa on February 10, 2010, 1:22 pm
I think that support for Mr Zuma has been dealt a serious blow because of his latest shenanigans. I heard that the late husband of Ms Khoza, (Mr Zuma's latest conquest, or the latest one we know of), died of aids 5 years ago. Can anyone confirm this?
Mini Mee on February 10, 2010, 1:55 pm
It's irrelevant, he's untouchable, the ANC bootlickers like the taste of JZ's boots...they can't see anything else. Amandla!
Ska Benga on February 10, 2010, 2:03 pm
Ok....give it one more day, maybe this stupid story will out of he papers.
Mini Mee....that is Zodwa Khoza not Sonono Khoza.
Vic Mavuza on February 10, 2010, 2:03 pm
seating Madiba near to you isn't gloing to make you appear similar Mr Prez. Madiba is in a different league I'm afraid. You'd need to actually do something comparable to be comparable. Poor Madiba - he must be so embaresed.
Nahor Ecnarraf on February 10, 2010, 2:08 pm
It's not boring, It's hilarious. My daily laugh is the vacuous, immoral, adulterous, unethical, third grade (in every sense) lazy dim-bulb who calls himself a 'leader' trying to save us from 'moral decay' whilst busily siring children, ruining education, making empty promises and doubling our electricity bills.
My sides ache. More, more, please.
Graham Johnson on February 10, 2010, 2:18 pm
@Mini Mee;IT WAS ZODWA KHOSA'S LATE HUSBAND A FORMER SOCCER STAR THAT DIED OF AIDS. THIS MIS INDFORMATION WAS CLEARIFIED BY MARVIN SHILOWA YESTURDAY AND IF YOU STILL DON'T GET IT,WE CAN ONLY DO THIS MUCH TO SHED SOME LIGHT AND AS FOR THE UNDERSTANDING PART THEN THATIS SOMETHING ELSE OUTSITE OUR OWN INTELLIGENCE.
OLD BORING STORY EVERY SINGLE DAY BY MG YET AGAIN.I GIVE UP
Etienne mokwana on February 10, 2010, 2:47 pm
@ Etienne mokwana: I was not in my office for most of the day yesterday Etienne, hence did not see the reply - it has nothing to do with intelligence as you insinuate. My sincerest apologies that something so trivial could get your blood presure up, and please, don't give up.
Thanks Vic, and thanks (belatedly to Marvin) answering my question.
Mini Mee on February 10, 2010, 2:54 pm
Why has Buthelezi been so quiet about this ?
Oom Piet on February 10, 2010, 3:05 pm
Where is motor mouth Malema our next President in the making.
Andrew Hoyle on February 10, 2010, 3:17 pm
Zuma is still President, no matter what commentators say. you must remember that this is a guy whose support grows larger by every stab you inflict. Write it many times, we the supporters dont care. get opinions from wine drinking analysts, we dont care. We will still support ANC and who ever is president. Learn that and understand it. Viva JZ viva.
Mpho Mojapelo on February 10, 2010, 3:22 pm
Mpho, that is the problem with Africa. You support your leaders no matter what. Even when then they rob and steal from their own people they can stil count on your support, and when that wavers they can buy it with a t-shirt and a quarter loaf of bread.
That my friend is why Africa is in such a mess. No accountability of leadership to the people. God bless.
Soutie Biltong on February 10, 2010, 3:24 pm
@ Mpho Mojapelo: You are a perfect example of why people should vote with their brains and not their hearts.
Mini Mee on February 10, 2010, 3:29 pm
Zuma is a liability to the South African revolution. Instead of the ruling party concentrating on service delivery and fighting corruption, they are forced to keep their man on check in case he messes up again. Unfortunately, they can only do so much. Maybe they need to find an alternative to the man sooner than late.
Tivelile Mavuso on February 10, 2010, 3:33 pm
The ANC is not a sports team Mpho!
Blind loyalty in politics is sheer stupidity.
Zoo Keeper on February 10, 2010, 3:33 pm
M&G must move on. 'that is the problem with Africa' Why dont you just silently pack whats yours and head Aussie-wards and lets see who'll miss you...apologies if you're blogging from there already!
Lamuntu Lamuntu on February 10, 2010, 3:42 pm
Lamuntu Lamuntu, because i contribute to your rediculous social grant. This country is more mine than yours. Just think, if all the people you dispise 'pack whats yours and head Aussie-wards' who is going to pay TAX? And who will service your social grant?
You, my foe, are the problem with Africa. You want, want, want until those you want from flee. Then you kill, rob and rape to get what you want. Maybe you should head Zim-wards... even better, why dont you go to Du Doorns and start practicing your murder and rapes?
moloko moloko on February 10, 2010, 4:58 pm
I see all the ANC fans are here echo'ing the ANC line: "Und Vy are Zu Still Speaking of Zis!? Vee Vant Ze Quiet"
"Let's talk about sex, baby Let's talk about you and me Let's talk about all the good things And the bad things that may be Let's talk about sex Let's talk about sex for now to the people at home or in the crowd It keeps coming up anyhow Don't decoy, avoid, or make void the topic Cuz that ain't gonna stop it Now we talk about sex on the radio and video shows Many will know anything goes Let's tell it how it is, and how it could be How it was, and of course, how it should be Those who think it's dirty have a choice Pick up the needle, press pause, or turn the radio off Will that stop us, Pep? I doubt it All right then, come on, Spin Let's talk about sex...." Note to ANC spin doctor... If a sex scandal breaks out.. DEAL WITH IT. Don't sweep it under the carpet or pretend it didn't happen like Tiger Woods..... "When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie That's amore...."
Marius de Kock on February 10, 2010, 5:01 pm
@ Lamuntu Lamuntu. Pres Zuma is making a mockery of this country. It is embarrassing!
If you can't see that, then maybe you should move to one of those lovely and established banana republics.
Concerned Citizen on February 10, 2010, 5:15 pm
M&G must move on. 'that is the problem with Africa' Why dont you just silently pack whats yours and head Aussie-wards and lets see who'll miss you...apologies if you're blogging from there already! Lamuntu Lamuntu on February 10, 2010, 3:42 pm
Why should anyone who has a problem with the politics of the ANC immediately head to Australia? I have as much right as you to be here, DEMOCRACY and FREEDOM OF SPEECH give me every right to say what I think about my leader. Malema can spout his shite about Helen Zille at every moment (his right to freedom of speech) but the minute his precious JZ is in the news, we must suddenly "respect our elders" and our right to freedom of speech is taken away. Surely, even with your blind prejudice you can see that this is just plain wrong! If you can't make an objective choice for your ruling party, on policy and not just blind loyalty, then perhaps you shouldn't actually be allowed to vote. That my friend is indeed the problem with South Africa (as mini me sasid earlier), people vote with their hearts and not their heads. Now I'll just sit back and wait for you to call me a racist purely because my opinion is different to yours. Awesome.
A K on February 10, 2010, 7:16 pm
Mpho Mojapelo, wrote: “you must remember that this is a guy whose support grows larger by every stab you inflict.”
So if I look at your statement, we can say that with every other goof, act of corruption, ineptitude, abuse of power or embarrassment of SA (and the media’s reaction thereupon) he gets MORE popular? So I take it that if he starts eating babies, he’ll be president for life then?
Twannie Herinck on February 11, 2010, 1:36 am
ANC supporters were chanting Mshini wam mshini wam,especial women they are now reaping the fruit of their labour.it was doom from the beginning but people were so blind because they love ANC,what kind of an old man that sleeps with his friends daughters? anybody with good morals will support the call to vote Zuma out of the president office.
fanisile soyizwaphi on February 11, 2010, 1:48 am
The truth of the matter is all you Zuma supporters out there really want this story to go away; thats why you moan about it still being top news: you cant defend it so rather make it disappear. Out of sight out of mind; Neh?
Why cant you lot just admit that you are embarresed by what your president has done? The sun doesnt shine out of his arse, you know (it doesnt shine out of anyone's). But instead of actually winning some points for level headed thinking, you blindly support the undefendable and this is where African Politics has its basis in failure: Criticising those you support is how you get better performance from them: its not hanging them out to dry. When you can seperate these two, instead of always believing they are linked, your leaders might actually start delivering on their promises. "The ANC will rule until Jesus comes" - that is the height of arrogance. It should never ever have been said because it just proves the party's belief that they are untouchable, that no matter what they are unaccountable. How are things ever going to get better when you have a monopoly on politic power. We all know that monopolies are bad for business, so how much worse is a political monopoly for a country? Use your vote to uplift yourself, not support a power hungry organisation that has failed to deliver on its promises. Your vote, your right; but dont complain when the people you place in power are only enriching themselves.
paul vincent on February 11, 2010, 3:07 am
it's sad to see people promoting promiscuity especial done by the president of the country JZ.it was doom from the beginning but people were blinded by their passion for ANC not the country.Zuma is not an example but a disgrace to all south africans as well as the world.
fanisile soyizwaphi on February 11, 2010, 5:02 am
There aer already two knew children that have been identified in Natal that nobody has spoken about. Could there be more, or should be asking , how many actually are there, 30, 40?????
Tyler Durden on February 11, 2010, 9:12 am
A vote of No confidence is required, urgently.
Mini Mee on February 11, 2010, 9:15 am
Waste of time. Nontellectuals will vote for nontellectuals. Race is immaterial. Zuma is a third grade drop out and all other similar folk will vote for him. This is why Africa is Africa. And always wil be.
Graham Johnson on February 11, 2010, 10:00 am
Despite the zumas that we do have Africa shall prosper and it shall be at peace Graham. and when such a day arrives i wonder what are u going t talk or write about u cynic. Whatever the difficulties we might having in africa we are free from colonial which some like still hold nostalgical.
ss mohale on February 11, 2010, 5:02 pm
@SS mohale - yeah just like Zimbabwe is free now. "We have broken the shackles of the white man! But we are rotting at the feet of our beloved black leader." Is that what you mean? That is not freedom, just another form of exploitation - and in some cases even worse than colonialism. And well unfortunately Africa have too many examples of that.
Anyway, I think it is patently obvious that it's Gwede Mantashe & Co. who is really running the show for the ANC. Zuma just seems like a pawn trying to please everyone and well I think he is losing his grip on the alliance partners. Let's see how this rather lame state of the nation gets implemented, if it ever does.
Ams Britz on February 12, 2010, 9:21 am
Marius de Kock
Lets talk about sex baby, "SEX SCANDAL THREATENS LENNOX MAX OF THE DA IN THE WCAPE" he raped Belinda Petersen 33 in the office (state apparatus) since he has been suspended. Lets talk about sex
samsam mgazi on February 12, 2010, 11:42 am
i have a preposition for y'all. let's all follow some of our blind leaders and see where they get us.
Takers, anyone?
Frank Talk on February 12, 2010, 12:30 pm
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Reports of Jacob Zuma's love child have come at a bad time for the president ahead of the State of the Nation address. (AP)
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