OPINION: SA deserves a better president

• Thabile Mange writes:

Is president Cyril Ramaphosa fit for purpose? Is he the kind of leader that South Africa needs right now? Is he a change agent? There are no easy answers.

Two weeks ago, Ramaphosa appeared before the Zondo Commission. The president was expected to answer many questions that the nation had about the ANC and government. He did not answer a single question.

The truth is that he appeared before the Zondo Commission because he had to. His appearance didn’t help the commission and nation to get the answers they have been waiting for for years.

When asked about the minutes of the deployment committee, he said the committee did not keep the minutes. So, in other words, it operated like the Mafia. And we as a nation are supposed to accept and believe that. That’s nonsense.

If the deployment committee really did not keep record of their meetings, which I don’t believe, it was done deliberately. The committee avoided accountability. However, it must be held accountable for the recommendations it had made.

For instance, the deployment committee recommended Siyabonga Gama for the position of CEO of Transnet. Gama had no competitor and he became Transnet CEO. Later, he was accused of corruption. The deployment committee needs to explain why it chose Gama.

On the other hand, Ramaphosa revealed that he’s the one who recommended Brian Molefe to the then president Jacob Zuma to be Eskom CEO. What was the basis of his recommendation? He had worked with Molefe before. Is that enough?

Is Ramaphosa the kind of leader South Africa needs right now? No, he is not. He is weak and indecisive. He is also not honest and has a lot to hide. The nation deserves a better president.