Democracies sometimes select the wrong leaders. With only 15% still trusting Jacob Zuma’s Administration, South Africans are repenting at leisure. But at least they have the prospect of a Zupta-free nation by Christmas. Most Americans would love that option. Venezuelans can only dream of it.
Provided they are allowed to, democracies which elect bad leaders tend to self-correct. It should be no surprise then that thoughtful, well-read Cyril Ramaphosa is consolidating his front-running status in SA. But even more delightful is the news from the US that Joe Biden is positioning himself for another run at the White House.
Biden, who would easily have beaten Trump had he not withdrawn because of his son’s battle with cancer, is three years older than Trump, so will be 77 when the next US election comes around. Were he to win, Biden would be the same age as Ronald Reagan when he left office. Then again, 70 is the new 50. And Biden, probably the most respected US politician alive, is a picture of health.
Unfortunately for Venezuelans, their deeply unpopular president Nicolas Maduro is prepared to destroy his country rather than step aside, as 80% of the population want him to. Message to SA: no matter how bad your lot, there is always someone worse off.
