The SA commentariat won't talk about it, but ethnicity plays a big role in these protests.
A thread on #ShutdownSA...
A thread on #ShutdownSA...
1/ Zulu speakers have long felt marginalized in the ANC.
There were similar complaints made during the Mbeki era of a 'Xhosa Nostra' that was sidelining Zulus.
Mbeki appointed Zuma to solve the 'Zulu problem' in the party, but this ultimately backfired at Polokwane.
There were similar complaints made during the Mbeki era of a 'Xhosa Nostra' that was sidelining Zulus.
Mbeki appointed Zuma to solve the 'Zulu problem' in the party, but this ultimately backfired at Polokwane.
2/ Post-NASREC, there are no Zulus left in the 'Top 6' leadership of the party.
2019 elections: ANC support is down by 10% in KZN (from 64% in 2014 to 54% in 2019).
Violent skirmishes between rival factions often prevent party congresses from being held.
2019 elections: ANC support is down by 10% in KZN (from 64% in 2014 to 54% in 2019).
Violent skirmishes between rival factions often prevent party congresses from being held.
3/ The weakness of the IFP is also a factor.
Prince Buthelezi's influence has waned and the new Zulu King has yet to establish his authority.
Zulu nationalism has not gone away; it has merely been displaced.
Prince Buthelezi's influence has waned and the new Zulu King has yet to establish his authority.
Zulu nationalism has not gone away; it has merely been displaced.
4/ Back to the ANC...
Taxi bosses & criminal gangs have embedded themselves in the party.
Political assassinations are now common as cadres compete for prestige & patronage.
Watch my interview with 'War Party' author @Gregarde for all the gory details:
Taxi bosses & criminal gangs have embedded themselves in the party.
Political assassinations are now common as cadres compete for prestige & patronage.
Watch my interview with 'War Party' author @Gregarde for all the gory details:
5/ Much of this week's violence is centered on KZN, GP and MP, all with significant Zulu populations.
Hostels in Joburg are a hotbed of unrest, just as they were during the People's War in the 1980s/90s.
Hostels in Joburg are a hotbed of unrest, just as they were during the People's War in the 1980s/90s.
6/ Are the current protests all about Zuma?
Yes and no...
Zuma is more a figurehead for regional Zulu interests and less the leader of the RET faction, as he is typically portrayed in the media.
Yes and no...
Zuma is more a figurehead for regional Zulu interests and less the leader of the RET faction, as he is typically portrayed in the media.
7/ Helen Zille picked up on some of these ethnic and cultural aspects in her Facebook post about JZ last week and was lampooned for it by the gatekeepers of official opinion.
But @helenzille might be on to something...
news24.com/news24/columni…
But @helenzille might be on to something...
news24.com/news24/columni…
8/ Last night Ramaphosa said that "we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism."
Really?
His government deploys race-based policies across every facet of society, eg. PEPUDA, EE Bill, etc
The ANC opened this Pandora's Box long ago & will struggle to close it.
Really?
His government deploys race-based policies across every facet of society, eg. PEPUDA, EE Bill, etc
The ANC opened this Pandora's Box long ago & will struggle to close it.
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Follow @centre_risk to understand the risks facing SA today and to prepare for an uncertain tomorrow.
Follow me @DavidAnsara for occasional threads like this one.
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