It's time to let Ramaphosa go

Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa rose quickly within the ANC ranks and became secretary general. Ramaphosa also made a good impression on South Africans. When he was elected president, the nation was looking forward to his presidency.

The nation had high hopes. Ramaphosa is an excellent negotiator. He has proven himself during the Codesa negotiations. He's also done well as a businessman. This gave an impression that he was also a good leader. It was a wrong impression: We read the man wrong. I don't know where the ANC leader is taking this country.

I sometimes wonder if Ramaphosa also knows, but I hope he does. Quite frankly, South Africa is going nowhere slowly.

Everything is going south under his nose. When Ramaphosa became president, he promised to create jobs. He has failed to keep his promise. He has also promised to trim the obese cabinet. Instead, he has increased it.

Some ministries have two deputy ministers (like the police) who are doing absolutely nothing. It's just a waste of taxpayers' money. In addition, how does a whole president hide money under the couch? What example is he setting?

This sounds like a movie but it's true In a normal democracy, a leader under such cloud would have tendered his resignation. Not in South Africa.There are murmurs that Ramaphosa wants to step down as president of the country early next year. These rumours are not new. Not long ago, we've heard the same story.

I hope this time it's true. It's tiring to hear one and the same thing without anything happening. If Ramaphosa goes, what difference will it make? No difference at all. Maybe things will be better. Let him go. His presidency was just a waste. I don't know who will succeed him. Does it matter? It should, but it doesn't. 

Thabile Mange, Kagoso