RAMAPHOSA - A LESSON IN CONTRIVANCE

The Presidency issued a statement over the weekend that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa "was involved in all consultations with President Jacob Zuma and all other stakeholders regarding the appointment of Mr. David van Rooyen". The statement concluded . . . "Ramaphosa was and remains part of the government collective that sought to stabilise the ministry of finance". The statement was issued in response to a rumour that Ramaphosa threatened to resign in the wake of the finance minister reshuffle fiasco. He denied the report, but if true, it may affect his standing within the ANC, and ultimately his goal in replacing Zuma. Although Ramaphosa owes much of his business career to his political connections, he is regarded as shrewd and competent. Ramaphosa's shrewdness could explain his allegiance to the government collective in appointing van Rooyen, but for an ulterior purpose - replacing Zuma. To achieve his objective Ramaphosa must demonstrate total commitment and undivided loyalty to the ANC collective. He must do so by abrogating any previously held political convictions and replacing them with political expediency. If Ramaphosa succeeds in replacing Zuma, the country can expect a president regarded as shrewd, competent, and disingenuous. As to the question of sound judgment, the fact that he was involved "in all consultations . . . regarding the appointment of M. David Van Rooyen" leads to one unmistakeable conclusion: judgment deficit disorder. Inasmuch as cynicism is a pervasive component of South Africa's political landscape, can one really say that Ramaphosa, as president, will result in a change in substance rather than form?