Constitutional crises: SA's business leaders are silent

South African civil society are unanimous President Jacob Zuma must resign or be recalled following the Constitutional Court’s damning ruling he failed to “uphold, defend and respect the constitution” when he did not adhere to the Public Protector’s remedial actions on Nkandla. 

 

 Even the “amorphous market”, the rand, had a positive flutter before his self-serving and dishonest “apology” to the nation Friday night, when he denied doing anything wrong in the expectation he would announce his resignation.  Afterward, it reversed its gains.

 As to be expected, neither Zuma nor ANC understand the significance of a president who fails to uphold his oath and the constitution and who committed an illegal act in failing to defend a constitutional body.  Despite the grave damage to the country and the crises it has created, they defend him and put their interests first. 

  

During this extraordinary tumult, the party that has been conspicuous by their silence are business leaders, except Johann Rupert.  Among all of us, they probably have the most influence with the ANC and government.  We saw the extent of this influence during Nenegate and the exclusive invitation recently extended to them to help with proposals to stay ratings downgrades.  Yet, when it suits them, like now, they deny such influence.  I say, the cowards.

 At the EFF's press conference last Thursday following the Constitutional Court judgement, Julius Malema took aim at "white monopoly capital" that "Zombified" - enabled and enriched - the ANC.  His analysis is partially correct.  As the Guptas have shown, patronage extends throughout business, whatever the race of the holdings, and the party.  This must be the reason for their reticence to criticise the ANC government, even at times of extreme constitutional stress, as society is doing now.

When this is over, when Zuma is gone and pondering what the future holds in the decrepit hulk of his rural palace, South Africans must remember who stood with us to defend the constitution, and who, by their silence and supine inaction, appeased and facilitated the forces of calamity – business leaders.