Watching Cyril Ramaphosa announcing SA’s total lockdown last night filled me with a sense of pride. As it surely did for all but the most cynical of our countrymen. He is a man with a plan. And a president worth calling our own. Unlike the palooka we suffered those nine lean years.
As resident genius Dr Claudius van Wyk pointed out in a podcast last week, South Africa’s actions in the war against Covid-19 are the envy of most countries. Cyril followed up with that Ides of March boldness by going even further last night. Setting to rest accusations of indecisiveness so favoured by blowhards.
In last night’s speech he also told the nation about quite extraordinary contributions to the national cause by the Rupert and Oppenheimer families, who have each contributed R1bn to support small business. That’s a lot of dosh, even for them. And an example not yet seen from any other billionaires anywhere.
The best judge of leadership is behaviour when the heat is on. Thus far Ramaphosa has come through this particular fire with flying colours. The world would be a far safer place if it were blessed with more political leaders like him. South Africa is blessed to have him.
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Comment from Biznews community member Neil Herrick:
Dear Alec,
It’s been quite few years since we last spoke, I think it was in 2011.
I must say that your headline article below is echoed by many, many of us here in SA and I wanted to express my support for the sentiments you have expressed regarding our President and his bold and decisive steps, which we will follow with diligence and care.
Thanks for providing a few rays of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy global environment and let’s trust that President Ramaphosa’s actions will show that we South Africans can overcome this debilitating threat through cohesive action.
Kind regards.
Comment from Biznews community member Percy Frederic:
As a further thought Alec:
“On the plus side, the Super Rich have decided to be better corporate citizens during this crisis.
Having said that, there is no such thing as “Altruism”. Money is amoral.
Thankfully though, their self-interest aligns with ours – in this situation.
And that’s the wider point here. We all need to work together to get through this threat. It might take a few more months of lockdown and sacrifice, but I’m certainly looking forward to being on the other side of this.”
Regards.
Comment from Biznews community member Victor Modise:
Good morning Alec
It is for the first time that I ever respond in writing to a newspaper/news article. I do so today because you addressed the letter to me directly but also because of the compelling burning issues of the day confronting our country.
Without any reservations, I completely agree with your analysis of our President’s performance during this difficult time in our country. You are spot on. The same accolades must be given to the Minister of Health as well.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Strength to love, 1963.
The quotation above speaks directly to the leadership that our beloved President’s displayed over the last few days.
Trump and company have a lot to learn from South Africa.
Without watering down the commendable leadership displayed by our President, it is my wish that the same wartime leadership displayed can be transferred to our besieged and captured political terrain.
Regards.
Comment from Biznews community member Doug Timberlake:
Hi Alec
Well said! I agree 100%
And thank you for your boldness in always speaking the truth.
Blessings
Doug.
