(Mis)lead?

A dinner conversation sparked the question 'where are the real leaders' globally at this time? The conversation began with a discussion of Jacob Zuma and revolved around the table's disappointment with his inability to publicly denounce violence against women, and with his weak commitment to rejecting corruption. As conversations about Zuma tend to do, this one turned to allegations of conspiracy against him, Julius Malema's big mouth, and other (the list is too long) flaws in the current system that have left many South Africans quaking in their crocs at the thought of our new president.

The question was asked - but who else is there to lead SA? Would any of the other public figures be fit to do a better job than master machine gun? There was a brief (that's all we needed) discussion, but the results weren't that promising. Of all the public figures we talked about, there wasn't one who stood out as exception. Yes there are those, like Helen Zille, who have impacted much more proactively than current ANC leaders. There are others like Patricia De Lille who have stood up for what they believed in and for democratic rights. But which of these, or any others, are people that you look at and say - 'there is nobody else I'd rather vote for', or 'I have so much confidence in this person', or even just 'I think they can do it'. Thus the conversation ended in despondency.

Obama had American hopes at unprecedented levels. Americans and International spectators really believe that he can make change in their lives. They believe that he is someone who has his head and heart in the right place, and who will deliver on his promises. So far, it looks as if their predictions are right.

Can there really only be one Obama? Where are our African shining stars? Where are the leaders who we feel proud of, and who incite us to feel pride in ourselves and our countries? Perhaps the South African masses felt this about Zuma. He is arguably South Africa's most popular political figure. But many women, and many of the SA middle classes, feel as though their hope for an equal future has been stolen from them.

I went home and thought about my own class at University, and of other students my age who were politically involved on campus. I can identify people in those groups who could be equally dangerous to democratic values, or equally to make the decisions that need to be made. But I can also identify some real potential for fearless, committed leaders who will make change here if they decide to stay.

How sad that I will have to wait more than twice as long as I've already lived for these people to get a chance at president, party leader or MP.

Perhaps South Africa's problem then is that it does not engage with these young minds enough? Rigorous arguments and discussion of political theory and political practice are happening every day in our country, and perhaps we need to extend these discussions to the upper echelons rather than allow them to dictate the demise of our open democracy to us.

In fact, not perhaps, we do.