GARETH VAN ONSELEN: The foundations of an imperial presidency
Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to the biggest crises facing SA, and to a generally weak administration, is to centralise
There are certain cycles that define politics. They appear almost inevitable. One of them goes like this: weak leaders produce weak administrations; the desire, then, is for strong leaders, who can impose themselves, and reinforce and repair a failing state with control and conviction. Unchecked, that can produce over-centralisation. Finally the demand is for more devolved power, which can produce a new, weak leader, and a weak state.
As far as SA is concerned, the theory is that if Jacob Zuma was weak and his effect chaotic, then Cyril Ramaphosa is strong and his effect regenerative. The cycle, however, has already played itself out once — as the election of Zuma himself was a response to the perceived centralised autocracy of his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki. The question is whether the wheel still turning?..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.