Observe common decency - don't insult SA's head of state

MONDLI Makhanya's column "We'd all be laughing if Zuma's blunders weren't such a tragedy" (December 11), makes wild allegations that confirm his intense anger and inability to objectively analyse anything President Jacob Zuma says or does.

While Makhanya's freedom of speech is guaranteed in the constitution, it should still be possible for him to engage and disagree within the bounds of common decency, without insulting the head of state.

He has been churning out Zuma character assassinations couched as "analysis" religiously since 2007. In his latest offering he used, among other things, the appointment of Advocate Willem Heath to head the Special Investigating Unit and Menzi Simelane to head the National Prosecuting Authority, as a launching pad.

The latest insinuation that the president's rise to "high office" was by "crafty" means indicates serious amnesia about the role President Zuma played in the history of South Africa and of the liberation struggle.

It was not codified or prescribed that only certain people would end up in the "high office".

For his own peace of mind, Makhanya should accept that President Zuma is the president of the country and does not need his endorsement. He should also accept that the constitution of the republic legalises polygamy. Makhanya should then learn and practise tolerance as is required in a diverse, democratic society like South Africa.

With regards to the utterances Heath made in an interview, the president made an announcement on Ukhozi FM, long before any complaint, that he was concerned about the comments and had asked his office and the minister of justice and constitutional development to investigate. There was no need for Makhanya to waste Sunday Times ink on the matter.

The good thing is, we are ending the year on a high note, as most of the undertakings made by the president in the state of the nation address have been achieved. He called on the country to focus on job creation through meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth.

Granted, this has been a bad year to push for jobs given the global economic climate, although we have seen a slight increase. The greatest achievement in this regard has been the unity of purpose and action to promote inclusive growth and job creation by the Nedlac social partners, business, government, labour and the community sector.

The social partners signed landmark accords on the green economy, local procurement, skills development and education. The local procurement accord will surely revitalise our manufacturing sector. The national skills accord commits the government and its social partners to increasing the number of people who access training to grow the skills-base of the economy. In terms of the accord, up to 30000 new artisans will begin training this financial year.

In addition, the Jobs Fund was launched in June. It is distinct from existing development financing instruments, as it provides grants instead of loans. To alleviate poverty, the government continues to promote public employment schemes, especially through the Community Work Programme and social grants.

A high-level commission, led by the president, has been established to improve the coordination and delivery of infrastructure. It will guide the government as it spends more than R800-billion on infrastructure development.

On the fight against corruption, wide-ranging steps were taken, including several investigations, which should send a strong message about the seriousness of the president and government. The Special Investigating Unit is working on 22 proclamations probing government departments - nationally and provincially - and state-owned entities. The seriousness has also been evidenced by the establishment of a commission of inquiry to look into allegations about the arms deal.

The case around the national police commissioner - who remains innocent of the charges unless the commission of inquiry finds otherwise - also underscores the seriousness about dealing with allegations of corruption. Even the release of the Donen Oil for Food Report is part of the president's determination to clear the closet to eliminate gossip and misconceptions about government corruption.

The cherry on top for 2011 is, of course, the breakthrough at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - or COP17 - in Durban.

The doomsayers had better start noticing that a lot is being achieved by government under the leadership of President Zuma.