Publication: Sunday Tribune Issued: Date: 2006-01-08 Reporter: Alan Dunn

Politicians' Stars Fade the Fastest

 

Publication 

Sunday Tribune

Date

2006-01-08

Reporter

Alan Dunn

Web Link

www.sundaytribune.co.za

 

'Well, boys, I shall miss you," said the grand dame of South African politics, Helen Suzman, as she bade farewell to the political correspondents of parliament's press gallery.

"And we will miss you," was the chorus response to the handbagged veteran of more podium fisticuffs than her opponents would care to remember.

"No you won't," she retorted matter-of-factly. Waving aside our protestations as she stood in our office adjoining the old House of Assembly, she said, "There is nothing so ex as an ex-politician".

Suzman was preparing herself for a sharp fall from the limelight. From being called on daily for more than 30 years to offer informed and always thoughtful opinions on anything from pass laws to July winners or reindeer tours in Lapland, the telephone was suddenly going to ring much less.

And the invitations would slow.

Her opinion would matter less now, she had obviously decided. She was leaving the corridors of influence, a life of cut and thrust politics was over, and she was gearing for this.

Had Jacob Zuma been party to that conversation, he would probably have been prepared for the corporate no-shows at his Christmas party for the orphans of Nkandla. This year there were no sponsors for the Jacob Zuma RDP Education Trust, which sponsors the education of 3 000 children. Clearly he did not believe their apologies: "Those who had been helping in the past came up with too many excuses".

It seems that some actually pleaded lack of funds. In a booming economy?

"There is no doubt they have been told not to associate themselves with me," he said. There he erred. His suspicion seemed improbable, ascribing too much sophistication and reach to his political opponents.

No, Zuma learned the Suzman lesson. Although still to have his days in two courts, those who once cooed in his ear and smothered him with compliments and cash for his causes have decided he is no longer the man of the future.

All that courting and agreeability disappeared as fast as Santa down a chimney. Zuma had lost his potential in the eyes of shrewd businessmen who play people of influence like the canny punters they are.

Zuma must realise after the bash at his Nkandla home that all those warm handshakes, that back-slapping and those whispered confidences and assurances have amounted to nothing. Personal liking has nothing to do with the readiness of the corporate world to offer support.

It's simply business. History, loyalty, admiration and ideals mean less. Find the winner, and back him. And get in early, lock on while his fancies are still affordable.

Perhaps this is why some of the larger firms hedge bets, donating election funds to both winner and runners-up because all might serve a purpose.

Corrupt? Distasteful, maybe. But not money or support for a specific goal, just access and an ear sometime if or when the need arises. No introductions necessary: " . . . Of course I remember you, from those Christmas days at Nkandla. How have you been?"

It is global practice, plain, hard-nosed business. Call it lobbying, call it schmoozing, networking, influence-peddling, outreach, opportunism or corruption - take your pick. One favour begets another, moths will dance around the flame.

Whatever it is, the Nkandla disappointment shows that some Zuma backers who used to respond to a mere crooked finger no longer see the worth of this support. It was a sad moment for Zuma. There was something very lonely about the desertion. Apart from a nasty dose of reality at Christmas for Zuma himself, 3 000 children may suffer as a result.

Whether or not the party-poopers have guessed his future right will hinge on the trials and ANC machinations.

If they are wrong, it will be fascinating to see how he treats *1 those who have written him off as an ex-politician.

With acknowledgement to Alan Dunn and Sunday Tribune.


*1  An elephant never forgets.