Opinion & Analysis

Thabo Mbeki’s inability to act decisively against the commissioner of police is of grave concern to most South Africans.

What concerns me most is the inconsistency in his approach to discipline in two similar cases which are based on pure speculation.

The sacking of Jacob Zuma was based purely on an allegation, yet Zuma was not on trial, Schabir Shaik was. In Jackie Selebi’s case, the allegations are exactly that — allegations. Why has Mbeki not acted in the same way towards Selebi as he did towards Zuma?

It seems that politicians (including Mbeki) have forgotten why they are occupying the political positions they are in right now.

They are there to serve the people of SA and not for political, party or personal point-scoring.

For the first term in office Mbeki led this country impeccably, but his second term has been marked by controversy, double standards and an “I don’t care” attitude.

The Zuma, AIDS, Zimbabwe and now Selebi issues are some of the major things that imply Mbeki has poor judgment and leadership.

Unfortunately this is what his legacy will be based on, rather than the good he has done during his presidency — such as the vibrant economy, his role in peace processes in Africa, and his stance on international affairs against developed countries.

It seems to me that dealing with controversy head-on is not Mbeki’s strong point.

At the end of the day the buck stops with him in his administration.

It’s time for him to exercise his authority if he wants SA to trust him.

With acknowledgement to Cecil Shabalala and Business Day.