LETTER: Mmusi Maimane’s magnanimity towards Cyril Ramaphosa should not be mistaken for yielding
Gareth van Onselen would have preferred Mmusi Maimane to come out "guns blazing" in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first state of the nation address. In his replying speech during the debate, Maimane set out a number of "tough choices" that Ramaphosa needed to make to rebuild the country. He did so in the spirit of a loyal opposition, which takes no pleasure in seeing the government fail, because then the whole country fails with it. He also did so with an appreciation of the mood of the nation, and a sense of the import of the occasion. Reading Van Onselen’s critique, I did chuckle to see Tony Leon, the godfather of muscular parliamentary opposition and the past-master of "guns blazing" performances, tweeting "what a fine speech", to Maimane’s reply. In the context, it was right for Maimane to offer Ramaphosa the hand of co-operation in rebuilding, and to invite him to be bold enough to truly lead his party and the country. The jury is still out on whether Ramaphosa will l...
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.