National Daily

As the ceiling caves on Mbeki

By NKECHI NWOSU

AFRICANS political prowess are becoming more daring these days or how else can one explain the tackles that the elder statesmen have faced of late. More interesting is the fact that the enemies spring these surprises from within the party cadres, even before the opposing parties could plot ousters. Still basking in the euphoria of having finally brokered a unity government in Zimbabwe after months of frustrated talks and severe criticisms, South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki back home faced a worse plot than his counterpart in Harare Robert Mugabe.

Embattled Zimbabwean President Mugabe for now appears to have escaped the big axe by settling for a unity government with the opposition, which he tagged a humiliation. But peace-mediator Mbeki has no allies to save his neck in the plot for an early exit from office. In a seeming palace coup, the South African leader who in the past decade drew criticisms with his child gloves diplomacy, especially in tackling neighbour Mugabe, the disdain for scientific researches on the killer acquired immune deficiency syndrome and crackdown on political rivals caved in. His deputy Jacob Zuma was first casualty of similar plot three years ago when he shoved him aside in a scandal after a financial adviser was found guilty of soliciting a bribe on his behalf.

Zuma had alleged political witch-hunt, faced corruption trial and emerged stronger. Perhaps spurred by supporter sympathy, Zuma in December last year, humiliated Mbeki at the African National Congress (ANC) poll to take the reins of party leadership. With this singular development, it was glaring the Mbeki's days on the revered seat were numbered and above all could be dotted with more troubles than he could muster.

Consequently, the last straw that now has broken the camel's back came last week after a high court judge, without fear or favour, ruled there has been political interference in the trial of Zuma, a likely presidential candidate in next year's election. The judge further referred to a "titanic political struggle" between Zuma and Mbeki, and said the polarisation of the country into opposing camps was well known. In a political boomerang,
the ceiling caved in on Mbeki at the weekend as Zuma rating soared.

But Mbeki who is already in his final tenure in office was not totally taken unawares. Perhaps his last battle though aware he could not have halted the tide that swept him of the seat, throwing caution to the winds as he tackled his plotters from within own ANC Mbeki's in a statement at the weekend had lashed out at the tendency to "hurl insults" at him. But he denies witch-hunting Zuma.

Mbeki denied he had any involvement in the decision by state prosecutors to appeal against the judge's ruling.
"We would like to state, for the record, that the NDPP [National Directorate of Public Prosecutions] neither met nor communicated with the president or any official in the presidency before making its determination," a statement from the president's office said.

"The NDPP has, as well disputed the claim," it added.
Zuma tried cooling passions, saying there was no need to "beat a dead snake."
"Fine, we are leaving this 'dead snake', but we must bury it. We are no longer beating it, and we are burying this snake this weekend," ANC Youth League President Julius Malema said.
Mukoni Ratshitanga,Mbeki's spokesman said he would leave his post once "all constitutional requirements have been met."

Mbeki convened his cabinet to meet on Sunday.
It behoved on the Parliament to formalise Mbeki's resignation, and appoint an interim leader.
ANC's Secretary General Gwede Mantashe's explanation that the move had followed "a long and difficult discussion," and that it was for "stability and for a peaceful and prosperous South Africa” is expected. But that it was not punishment for Mbeki, whom he said would continue his role as mediator in Zimbabwe, remains suspect.
Mbeki, all through has devoted his life to the ANC. He succeeded the first post-apartheid president Nelson Mandela as the party's leader in 1997.

The statesman in 1997 became South Africa leader and won a second term in 2004. His most legacy is engineering South Africa's rapid economic growth since after apartheid and the rise of a black middle class as wealth is more unevenly distributed. But Zuma has zeroed in Mbeki's failure to convince the trade unions and the poorest South Africans that the government policies were in their interest to mobilise a powerful constituency. His government also has failed to stem violent crime.

No matter what detractors feel, Mbeki's early exit definitely will jolt the politico- economic stability of South Africa. Mbeki today may not be enjoying same large clout as in early years in office, but his contribution to forging unity among warring factions and stabilising the African continent will not be forgotten soon. Other peers like Nigeria's immediate past president Olusegun Obasanjo towards the end of his tenure, had his turn of courted party's inner caucus sabotage. He was harassed, threatened with impeachment and, finally, last month humiliated out of the board of trustee of the People democratic Party he led all through his eight years in office. No doubt, the use and dump show is getting rampant in the developing world, but recent on the African books. The big question now is: where does this unfolding politicking storm, place Africa's statesmen and in deed the continent in schemes of relevance in future international politics .