Surely, we all want this country to succeed. We want the international ratings agencies to give us more positive gradings. We want investments to flow in and jobs to be created.

Yet, at the heart of the multi-pronged “get back to work” campaign announced this week, President Jacob Zuma is in a compromised position.

In a statement after meeting with leaders on Wednesday,  Zuma called on “CEOs and  executive directors in the private sector and senior executives  in the public sector to agree on a freeze on increases and bonuses over the next 12 months”.

Great stuff. Such an agreement would also be binding on Zuma and his cabinet colleagues. There is, however, a slight problem.

Zuma has  received a five percent increase  backdated to April,  bringing his annual package to about R2 485 839, plus perks. He can well afford to miss a  hike.

Zuma doesn’t pay   much for travel, accommodation, food, etc. In addition,   the R238 million upgrade of his Nkandla private homestead, and the R2 billion development of nearby Zumaville, both of which  are being investigated by the Public Protector, undermine any supposed belt-tightening gestures on his part.

The same profligacy weakens the concerted attempt to take a hard line against “unprocedural” wage negotiations outside the usual framework. Like government and business, union bosses have become a pampered, out-of-touch elite.

For this social pact to succeed, all must lead by genuine example. Few strikers will be persuaded.