Jump to navigation

Vol 50 No 17

Published 28th August 2009


South Africa

So far, so Zuma

Economic downturns, rising joblessness and a wave of strikes and protests fail to dampen the rising popularity of the new President

The standard criticism of Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma was that he was a populist, seeking the presidency mainly to protect himself against prosecution for corrupt enrichment in South Africa's US$6 billion arms deal (AC Vol 49 No 16). That idea has been promptly abandoned. His first 100 days in office, marked by several astute appointments, reveal him as a shrewd operator who wants to leave a political mark on behalf of his working-class constituents, while not alienating Afrikaners and big business. It is a delicate balancing act and he may not pull it off, but he is making a far better go of it than many had predicted.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 1460 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.