The Making of a President
With the news that Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as president of the ANC and became the crown prince for President of South Africa, it was amusing as well as disturbing to watch the posts on social media. The worst was a comment bringing the Marikana massacre into the equation. Really? Are you so uninformed or just plain daft?
My cynicism also remained however, until I read a very insightful article by the famed Max Du Preez titled ‘Expect swift action from the real, ruthless Ramaphosa’.
It reminded me of two distinct achievements of Ramaphosa that stand out in my mind:
As co-founder and General Secretary of the once mighty National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) during the early 80’s, Ramaphosa became a force to be reckoned with as well as a painful thorn in the side of the National Party government.
As head of CODESA where he locked horns with Roelf Meyer and came out of it smelling like roses.
The Max Factor’s article prompted me to refresh my memory through a little reading and in the process I learned so many things about Cyril Ramaphosa that I never knew. Please note, dear reader, I am not an ANC supporter, on the contrary. I am also not attempting to flout Cyril in any way. However, respect should be given where it is due and deserved.
Give the man a chance! He cut his teeth on politics as a student. As the son of a policeman in the Apartheid era, he was exposed to a different outlook on life. Trust me; I have this in common with him. He has experience on an international level dealing with very difficult and sensitive issues as a negotiator. He is a champion of the citizens of this country. He is well educated and a legal expert. He is an academic. He was targeted by the previous dispensation and bore the brunt of internment.
He has held leadership positions very few individuals could hope to attain. Do not take my word for Cyril Ramaphosa’s credentials or achievements; just take the time consult other sources.
A president, whether a champion of industry or a political leader, is in an extremely powerful position and should have the credentials to succeed. We have seen what damage a populist leader can do without it.
I believe Cyril has what it takes, not only as far as experience and qualifications are concerned, but as a leader with integrity and the will to do what is required.
