Shluchim Comment on Zuma

By COLlive reporter

While leaders of South Africa’s Jewish community expressed cautious optimism regarding Jacob Zuma‘s rise to power on Thursday, other community voices described his presidency as a “depressing defeat” for democracy.

The African National Congress on Thursday evening had a 64.73 share of the votes, making the party’s controversial yet charismatic candidate the republic’s next president. Zuma won the elections after overcoming a rape charge and numerous corruption charges.

Rabbi Yossy Goldman, Senior Minister of the Sydenham Shul in Johaneburg, wrote to congragents: “Whatever will be, please remember, G-d still runs the world, not Jacob Zuma. And if he will make a serious dent in crime, most people would forgive him for some of his other failings. Halevai!”

Goldman did notice that there weren’t any local politicians at the memorial for Holocauast Day in the city. “I suppose they were all busy gearing up for the elections,” he commented.

Another Chabad Shliach in south Africa responded: “Say what you want about the ups and downs of this country but a free and fair election is something to be thankful for.”

He added that “while many watch our new President with the apprehension of a “wait and see” attitude, the markets haven’t crashed, the elections have passed peacefully and kosher places are still open for business.”

Haaretz reported that earlier this year Zuma spoke before the Jewish community, and even presented the Jewish leadership with a document affirming the party’s support for a two-state solution in the Middle East.

But Steve Magid, the publisher of the popular Jewish affairs blog “It’s Almost Supernatural,” says Zuma’s presidency could help one of the country’s most anti-Israel bodies: South Africa’s largest trade union COSATU, where Zuma is reported to have a “strong base of support.”

“Zuma’s style is to tell everyone what they want to hear,” said Magid, who called on readers to “try and stop the ANC,” on his blog, which he runs with Michael Kransdorff. They both say they believe Zuma overcame his corruption charges by illegitimate means that relied on the ANC’s power.

Another concern by some pro-Israelis in South Africa is that Zuma may appoint Blade Nzimande from the Communist Party, known for making hostile statements about Israel, as foreign minister.

South Africa’s Ambassador to Israel, Ismail Coovadia, told Haaretz his country and Israel would continue to enjoy “excellent relations.”