Much like the experience of Mark Twain, reports of President Jacob Zuma’s demise have to date been greatly exaggerated. Your editorial, Looters days are numbered as ANC event horizon nears (May 30), suggests that SA may be rid of Zuma by year-end and that the net is drawing tight around him and his compatriots. It may indeed be. However, another interpretation of the available evidence is that Zuma remains able to outmanoeuvre his critics and may yet exploit the ANC’s pursuit of year-end unity to put in place an infrastructure that secures his legacy for many years to come. It is the longevity of the legacy that is more important than the formal position occupied by the individual – not enough analysts are making this point. No one who has bet against Zuma has ever won. In June 2005, former president Thabo Mbeki cast him into the political wilderness, but in May 2009, thanks in part to his skilful manipulation of former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and then ANC Youth Lea...
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