I had an interesting conversation, the day after JZ was elected president of the ANC, with a friend/client of mine who is both very well informed and well connected to the current political scene. Without giving anything away about his identity – he was part of the struggle and enjoys the favour of many of the high rankers. Anyhow … the point: apparently Zuma is a chief, not just a regular citizen. This would mean (as you predict) that we may well have another Mugabe on our hands if he becomes president – bearing in mind that traditional Xhosa culture does not recognise democracy as a means of governing.

I don’t wish to spread rumours of impending doom or grab a placard, paint the words “The End Is Nigh” on it, hang it around my neck and become a doom prophet, but I am genuinely concerned. South Africa is the last outpost and the one African country that can make a difference in Africa. We need leaders that can act as ambassadors for South Africa, Africa and democracy.