New York Times publishes editorial criticising Jacob Zuma
Jacob Zuma faces an increasing amount of scrutiny and criticism from international voices.
After The Independent in the UK published a scathing piece about Jacob Zuma last week, The New York Times have followed suit.
Titled Anger at South Africa’s Leader and written by the esteemed publication’s editorial board, it starts off with focus on the merry-go-round of finance ministers with the first paragraph saying: “Mr. Zuma has done far too much damage to his country to be let off the hook.”
It then talks about how the African National Congress (ANC) has fallen from grace since their victory in abolishing the immoral apartheid system, saying:
“As the ANC became entrenched, winning five successive national elections, corruption and cronyism inevitably spread their tentacles, often under the pretext of setting aright the injustices of apartheid.”
They go on to add:
“Mr. Zuma refused to recognize the economic realities and became angry when the finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, put the brakes on spending. Mr. Nene’s exit intensified doubts among investors and credit rating agencies.”
The editorial does not believe that Zuma’s 180 on the Finance Minisry actually marks a change for the president himself, but it does note that many South African institutions are trying to rebuild, but stresses that the ANC needs to seriously examine itself for that to happen.
