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Balance of Power: Ramaphosa and the future of South Africa
‘Ramaphosa’s election as president will define the near future of South Africa. His election was hailed as a "new dawn" in an explosion of optimism and euphoria about the prospects of this country. But can one man fix years of corruption and lawlessness by himself?’ Political journalist Qaanitah Hunter takes us right into the heart of Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to the ANC presidency, and the political balancing act which he has had to maintain as president of the country. As a writer with a front-row seat, Hunter shares fresh insights into Jacob Zuma’s removal as president and Ramaphosa’s ascendency. Hunter reveals how this new information, gathered through personal observations, interviews with key people and anecdotes relayed to her, alters our understanding of the ANC. She takes us behind the scenes, and details Ramaphosa’s plans for South Africa, and his battles – both within the ANC and outside. Filled with high-stakes manoeuvring and political drama, this book seeks to contextualise what the current political climate could mean for both the ANC and the future of South Africa.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 21, 2019
Ok, 2.5 stars for this one.
First, it’s one of the most readable political books about South Africa that I’ve recently completed. The first seven chapters were very interesting.
I’ve read reviews by others saying ‘that was too short’ and ‘ I could have read all of that in Business Day’. Well, maybe the issue is more the price of books in South Africa (R275, Exclusive Books), but in terms of length, it’s no different to other SA political books I have read.
I did find it insightful. It revealed details of Nasrec and the NEC meetings that followed, and alliances amongst the top six, that I was wholly unaware of. (And this, despite the fact that I read all the papers, and all the wires every day), and have done so for years.
(My own direct interaction with Mpumalanga delegates, who were giving me the thumbs up as I walked through a Sandton shopping mall, Ramaphosa biography in hand, BEFORE the start of the Dec 17 conference, was a little different to the author’s suggestion of a last minute deal. Just saying).
As intriguing as it was to begin with, towards the end, I found the book had become too descriptive, maybe even a little rushed. For example, P190 has Solly Mapaila describing Mkhwebane as a hired gun for the ‘anti-Zuma faction’. Ooops
The book is mainly a summary overview of the key issues of the Ramaphosa years, and will still be useful to investors as a primer, for market participants trying to make sense of South African politics.
That said, I felt that there were lots of themes that could have been explored more deeply. Why was JZ so intent on destroying the country? Why did no one question him when he appointed obviously unqualified people to key positions in order to build loyalty. (The author only attributes sycophancy to the AIDS denialism around Mbeki. What a mistake). What was it about post-apartheid South Africa’s setup that lent itself to this vulnerability? How can it be resolved?
More importantly, what about the big issues to come, and the questions that demand answers. Descriptive narratives aside, is there a way to deal with rogue public protectors? Are the institutions strong enough? What led to the collapse of support for key opposition parties in 2019 even as the ANC’s vote declined? Why is the EFF now batting for camp Zuma? How significant is the threat from Ace? Will reform ultimately succeed? Investors should read this book, even though the key questions still go unanswered.
First, it’s one of the most readable political books about South Africa that I’ve recently completed. The first seven chapters were very interesting.
I’ve read reviews by others saying ‘that was too short’ and ‘ I could have read all of that in Business Day’. Well, maybe the issue is more the price of books in South Africa (R275, Exclusive Books), but in terms of length, it’s no different to other SA political books I have read.
I did find it insightful. It revealed details of Nasrec and the NEC meetings that followed, and alliances amongst the top six, that I was wholly unaware of. (And this, despite the fact that I read all the papers, and all the wires every day), and have done so for years.
(My own direct interaction with Mpumalanga delegates, who were giving me the thumbs up as I walked through a Sandton shopping mall, Ramaphosa biography in hand, BEFORE the start of the Dec 17 conference, was a little different to the author’s suggestion of a last minute deal. Just saying).
As intriguing as it was to begin with, towards the end, I found the book had become too descriptive, maybe even a little rushed. For example, P190 has Solly Mapaila describing Mkhwebane as a hired gun for the ‘anti-Zuma faction’. Ooops
The book is mainly a summary overview of the key issues of the Ramaphosa years, and will still be useful to investors as a primer, for market participants trying to make sense of South African politics.
That said, I felt that there were lots of themes that could have been explored more deeply. Why was JZ so intent on destroying the country? Why did no one question him when he appointed obviously unqualified people to key positions in order to build loyalty. (The author only attributes sycophancy to the AIDS denialism around Mbeki. What a mistake). What was it about post-apartheid South Africa’s setup that lent itself to this vulnerability? How can it be resolved?
More importantly, what about the big issues to come, and the questions that demand answers. Descriptive narratives aside, is there a way to deal with rogue public protectors? Are the institutions strong enough? What led to the collapse of support for key opposition parties in 2019 even as the ANC’s vote declined? Why is the EFF now batting for camp Zuma? How significant is the threat from Ace? Will reform ultimately succeed? Investors should read this book, even though the key questions still go unanswered.
January 23, 2020
Hunter is a political journalist through and through, with a network of excellent sources and a strong track record of breaking news. For reporters or the general public who have been following the turbulent South African political scene, the main narrative covers familiar ground. Having said that, this reviewer certainly learned a few things. A fine introduction to the current state of South African politics.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews