THERE must be an explanation for the euphoric expressions of support for public leaders such as former public protector Thuli Madonsela and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. Not since the days of Nelson Mandela have people risen up with such unfettered enthusiasm, bordering on hysteria, in response to leaders doing their jobs. Both Thuli and Pravin are ordinary people, humble and self-effacing, hard-working and committed to their country. So why the constant “For President” shout-outs, threats of marches through the big cities and endless social media tears when one retires from her job and the other is threatened with his? In a normal country, Thuli and Pravin would be invisible, ordinary public servants simply doing their jobs well. It is what they get paid to do. Since, in that normal nation, there would be thousands like them, nobody stands out and everybody simply gets on with the business of public duty. But this is, of course, no ordinary country, and that explains the feveris...
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