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So far, so good
President Jacob Zuma has marked his first 100 days as President. Faced by a large number of complex problems, both in global and domestic context, it has not been an easy time for any president to assume power. He also entered office handicapped by the fallout around the corruption charges he had faced and which were never given proper closure in a court of law. But that has rapidly receded into the shadows and Zuma has made great strides in winning the hearts, minds and confidence of people and organisations across the board. The next 100 days are going to be even more important since they will bring the proof of the pudding.
He came to power out of an election in which he and his party made far-reaching promises to the South African electorate regarding the creation of jobs, and the eradication of poverty, crime and corruption. Unfortunately for him, global and local economic conditions have not enhanced the scope for him to follow through with concrete action.
It may also be that Zuma should be given more time to come firmly to grips with the country's many complex problems. So far, however, Zuma has not made any serious mistakes and has skillfully avoided major controversies, largely saying and doing the right things and winning praise for it.
Zuma's first 100 days as President have thus been marked by:
- Fallout from the global economic crisis and South Africa's first recession in 17 years which has put the brakes on some of the Zuma government's plans and promises;
- Zuma making mostly the right kind of noises - widely welcomed - with his stated intentions regarding crime, poverty, jobs, corruption, education, and other issues, but so far following up with little or no real action, although he probably should be allowed more time to do so;
- An escalation of township protests over poverty stresses and poor delivery;
- An escalation of militant strike action by labour unions demanding high wage increases;
- Carefully considered, balanced and broadly representative appointments of Cabinet ministers, officials and others that have largely earned him praise;
- An immediate demonstration that he will be a hands-on President not hesitant to go to the coalface and tackle problems, as was seen with his unannounced visits to schools and to communities angered by non-delivery;
- Demonstrating his willingness to consult widely, listen to various interest groups, include minorities, and generally being in touch with the public;
- A professed desire to stop labour unions operating outside the law during strikes even though it could cost him political support;
- Resistance to pressures from his labour and communist allies to shift economic policy leftward, yet always showing a willingness to look at proposals and find compromises;
- A strong focus on further centralisation of power, threatening the role, powers and scope of provincial and local government and no hesitation to take political control of key organs such as the Judicial Services Commission in the process;
- A return to the ruling African National Congress' consultative style and collective leadership;
- Ensuring good synergy between the two centres of power, that is the Presidency and ANC headquarters, which has led to Zuma and ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe develop as a formidable team; and
- By Zuma avoiding being drawn into useless verbal battles and slanging matches by his political detractors.
All in all, the prognosis for the future is good based on Zuma's stated intentions, his promises and the teams he has put together to carry these out.
If nothing else he has proven himself a much more astute politician than his predecessor. The next 100 days will be important to see to what extent he follows through with action.
