The fall of an empire is always celebrated and we rejoice as a brave new spirit fills the air. But what we fail to learn is that from the ashes of the old a new empire rises - and it carries the DNA of the old masters.The noise around President Jacob Zuma and his management of the Republic is a clear example of how things change - but remain the same.The allegations levelled against Zuma today, that he abuses his position to aid and protect those close to him, are similar to those directed at former president Thabo Mbeki when he was in office.His empire was blamed for everything that was wrong with the ANC and the Republic.Fast forward to today and the same noises are heard.This time it is Zuma who is accused of abusing his position and building an empire of cronies.It seems the empire destroyed back in 2007, at the ANC national conference in Polokwane, is back under new management.Those who told us then that Mbeki had to go are today in the forefront of the anti-Zuma forces, and again they are calling for the empire to be brought down.But we are not being told what will replace the Zuma empire.Back in 2007, Zuma was sold to this nation as "a man of the people" who would understand our daily struggles.What has happened since then is contested and the truth of it depends on where you stand in ANC politics.Now that Zuma is on his last mile as head of state, and his empire is under attack, tough questions must be asked.We must question the motives of those in the forefront of the struggle to bring down today's empire. We must be aware of their end-game.But this time around we need to change the script to avoid repeating the sins of the past...