A monthly column by Luphumlo Joka
Eye Witness News’s Katleho Sekhotho recently (a week ago) wrote that a top team acting on direct orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin is reported to have met with President Jacob Zuma about the multibillion dollar nuclear deal with the Russians just before the surprise cabinet reshuffle last week.
This may mean that Putin had a direct influence in the constitutionally-entrenched presidential prerogative of appointing South African ministers. Section 91 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa bestows upon the president the authority to appoint ministers, to assign them responsibilities and to dismiss them. This is the constitutional right of the South African president only. Has our president failed us again?
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Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba has made it clear to parliament that South Africa cannot afford to embark on a costly nuclear build programme right now, although it remains part of the proposed energy mix.
On the other hand, the axing of (former) Minister of Higher Education and South African Communist Party General Sectary, Blade Nzimande, who has on numerous occasions called for the head of President Zuma for the appointment of Zuma allies to strategic ministerial posts, is causing many to lose the little confidence they have in the current ANC-led government.
Among many other political developments that have taken place in the past months, these are some of the few that should make us wake up if we are still snoozing in disbelief of the leadership crisis we are facing as a nation. We need urgent change! We need credible, authentic leadership to emerge and show a better way.
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The man-made systems and policies that have been built through the years in the name of democracy and political freedom are slowly crumbling.
Our hope and trust cannot be in the things of this world. We cannot look to any earthly system for help but should instead look to Christ Jesus.
While many may choose to continue to engage in anti-Zuma strikes and marches as a means of addressing the present political leadership vacuum, wisdom demands that we who are believers keep our present government in prayer and trust God to raise ethical leaders.
