Muthambi an intimation of SA prospects after Zuma
That such a visibly undercooked person could rise to Cabinet level serves only to fuel stereotypes about the incompetence of women and black people in general, writes Sam Mkokeli
I HAD the pleasure of spending time with Communications Minister Faith Muthambi during the mid-term conference of the African National Congress (ANC) last month. I sat next to her as President Jacob Zuma was delivering his closing address, punching notes into my laptop. At one stage, the minister said: "Wow, I’m impressed with your skill," referring to my touch-typing. After a few moments of wondering how to respond to this awkward compliment, I grinned, and said, "Thank you, minister." I interviewed her shortly afterwards — a conversation that lasted a minute and 16 seconds. It seems I spoiled the interview by mentioning Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the force of destruction at the SABC. The minister suddenly went deaf, mouthing at least three times: "What is it?". I got even closer, almost leaning on her shoulder to shout into her ear. Still, she replied: "I can’t hear you," so I gave up and walked away. At 40, Muthambi is the youngest member of Zuma’s Cabinet, and one of the worst. That suc...
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