TOM EATON: The story of Ali uBaba and the 198 Thieves
For years‚ a narrative has floated around that insists there are many good‚ progressive ANC MPs. It turns out there are about 34 of those
It was always going to be about numbers: how many votes in the ballot box; how many years left in power; how many dollars pouring into Dubai bank accounts. One of those numbers has become quite famous since Tuesday evening. 198: the number of ANC MPs who — given the chance to vote in accordance with their conscience — confirmed that they didn’t have one. It turns out there are about 34 of those. The rest‚ we now know beyond a shadow of a doubt‚ are hollowed-out bootlickers kowtowing in a pantomime of feudal loyalty before their king. Ultimately‚ they are the people who end countries. Yes‚ 198 is a big one. And because of it‚ there are some other numbers worth considering. 3: the number of Guptas still running South Africa. Congrats‚ Atul‚ Ajay and Rajesh. We really are the gift that keeps on giving. 48: the number of hours left for those 34 rebel MPs to send out their CVs to recruitment agencies. Zuma can’t be too draconian with the December conference looming‚ but Big Men with thin...
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