THE FIRST thing to be said is a loud Alleluia that President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has struck a blow against corruption in his country by dismissing his deputy Jacob Zuma because of his close association with a financial adviser and friend who has been found guilty of bribery and shady dealings. The president has made it clear that Mr. Zuma is innocent until proven guilty but in the interest of a nascent democracy in South Africa, it was important to distance the government from any hint of impropriety. Mr. Zuma, having accepted this moral position, has resigned his parliamentary seat.
Ordinary thinking Jamaicans may be forgiven for being confused by the seeming illogicality of politicians, here and abroad. It is difficult to understand how Mr. Mbeki can support Mugabe of Zimbabwe, an anti-democratic leader, if there ever was one, while at the same time adopting a high moral stance in the name of democratic government. This as a display of pragmatism verges on schizophrenia. Nevertheless, Mr. Mbeki's action in sacking his deputy sets an important precedent that we should pay attention to in Jamaica. No more do we have to look to the Westminster model for examples of how ethical considerations demand resignations or dismissals, if the political leadership is serious about fighting corruption.
Without losing face, we can now follow the South African model. To do so would be particularly appropriate since Jamaica's moral linkages to South Africa go back to the days of Michael Manley's pioneering attack on apartheid when that regime was a blight on the conscience of the world. Mr. Zuma is a very popular figure in his country and it must have taken a great deal of courage and political risk for Mr. Mbeki to sideline him. The powers that be in Jamaica need to learn a lesson from this.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
