I write to you from the year 2025 and from one of South Africa's possible futures. I must stress that it is an unlikely future, one which is premised on President Jacob Zuma and his cronies defeating the constitutional state and turning South Africa into an autocracy. But it is, I'm afraid, quite possible. Here goes: The events depicted below appear to have followed one another at breakneck speed. This is the illusion that results from recapping nine years of turbulence in one feature-length article.In reality, it all seemed to happen painfully slowly, as if we were living through a daydream. There were advances and reverses for the Zuma faction and its triumph over the constitutional order was always contested.It has been six years since the 2019 election, now sombrely referred to as “the last democratic election”, although there are many who believe it was rigged from start to finish.To get to grips with these last tumultuous years, we need to go back to the end of 2017, when the ...
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.