Thank you, Mr President

2015-12-10 11:52

Dear President Zuma, we have so much to thank you for today.

Firstly, we must thank you for your leadership which allowed you to send Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene packing with ne’er a “fare-thee-well” or a pat on the back. This is the kind of action man we want as our president.

Secondly, we must thank you Mr President for your formidable disregard of that beast called “the market” and that sentiment that knocked our rand for a six against the dollar. We see what others don’t, Sir. In one fell swoop, Mr President, you delivered a boon to our exporters and gave those Western imperialists a good klap.

Those rating agencies about to consider whether to label our economy “junk” have been given a wake-up that only our President could have delivered. For this we must applaud you loud enough to deafen the shrill shrieks of those who do not understand you.

Thirdly, brave leader, we must thank you for not offering any explanation for your decision. We see this as your commitment to free speech because by not telling us why you do things you allow – dare I say, permit -us  to speculate and consider the motives for your, no doubt, wise move.

This is the sign of a courageous and confident leader which we South Africans deserve.

You obviously don’t mind that people are saying you canned Nene because he was being mean to your intimate friend Dudu Miyeni over at SAA. Her “transformation agenda” is so much more important to us than having a financially sound national airline.  

Again, all this points to the fortitude of your leadership.

And finally, Mr President, we must thank you for your cheer in the face of such adversity.

When the roar of your detractors threatens to deafen our ears, we know that your famous humour and sonorous chuckle will be there to comfort us.

Thank you, Mr President. Your genius is inspiring.

- Andrew Trench is News24's Editor-in-Chief. Follow Andrew on Twitter.

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