Recession is a test for zuma
A WAVE of protests by South African trade unionists and township dwellers have presented President Jacob Zuma with his first real leadership test.
The country’s economy has gone into its first recession in over 15 years, and President Zuma has pledged not to alter a traditional policy in which financial stability has been given ultimate priority over social improvements to child support grants and national health insurance.
This week’s strike by public transport workers over pay came after days of violent protests by residents of poor townships, who complain about a lack of healthcare, water and electricity.
Against this backdrop, the country is still struggling with its mammoth HIV/Aids battle. Statistics South Africa this week stated that Aids-related illnesses will probably kill 263,900 people this year, accounting for 43 per cent of all estimated deaths.
At present, almost 11 per cent of the population, or 5.2 million people, are living with HIV.
It’s another blow to a country which nevertheless manages to play a key economic and political role in Africa. South Africa has the continent’s biggest economy, and is particularly strong in the financial, manufacturing, minerals and tourism sectors.
Last year, it was placed fifth out of 48 sub-Saharan African countries on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, and over the past 10 years it has also played a central role in conflict resolution in Burundi, Congo and Zimbabwe, with the South African Defence Force a major peacekeeping contributor.
Meanwhile, some South Africans feel that despite the country’s current challenges it will continue to progress, both nationally and internationally.
“Strikes happen in all countries, Italy, Spain, Ireland as well – people have the right to go on strike,” said Patrick Maphoso, a Dublin-based South African from Northern Cape. “I know people will question the ability of our president. To me, he’s a good leader.
“Corruption is everywhere, not only in South Africa, it’s not easy to eradicate it. It’ll take time to eradicate poverty and all the problems people have.”
He added: “There is no doubt whatsoever that South Africa has a lot of influence in the continent – for example that’s why we have an influx of migrant workers and the 2010 World Cup – but we need to work more together with other African countries, which can trade between themselves.”
