Book review:  Enemy of the people Adriaan Basson and Pieter Du Toit

Sometimes the titles capture me and there is just something significant about a book on a political figure. I think this time around Jacob Zuma affectionately known as ‘’ubaba’’ captured me. Yes, most definitely he captured me and the use of the word ‘’enemy’’ in the title is a game changer. 

Jacob Zuma, the mastermind 

I have from a distance observed ‘’ubaba’’ from his former ANC days, his dispensation, scandals and recent realignment to power in South Africa. I think what Basson and Du Toit did right here in this book confirmed all my predictions. My stance as a book reviewer is not to retell this story. However, I am here to share my encounter with the book and hopefully spark a very meaningful conversation.

In this review, I will be referring to the mastermind Jacob Zuma. Yes, ‘’ubaba’’ is a mastermind. Not only does he understand the role of humility to access power. He understands the role that power has to influence. Politics is people centered and requires a very strategic individual. An agile and emotionally intelligent individual. In as much as you are strategic or well versed in literature you need people. You cannot achieve success without people. You constantly need to be willing to cut your losses and accept defeat. 

Being in the political wilderness developed ‘’ubaba’s’’ character. From a distance he observed and analysed the political landscape. He created relationships and maneuvered in the ANC. He analysed the politics, the party and the people. Once he understood the political landscape and people,  with humility he entered the political arena. He already had a plan in place and began with his implementation. That is how South Africa came to know and love him.

Civil society rise now

One very critical aspect that the book highlights is the role of democracy. Democracy is a government by the people. Britannica defines ‘’democracy is ‘literally ruled by the people. The term is derived from the Greek ‘’demokratia’’, which was coined from ‘’demos’’ people and ‘’kratos’’ rule in the middle of the 5th century to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states notable Athens’’. Democracy is for the people and by the people. Democracy is the voice of a nation and not an individual. 

Our shortcomings  as a nation stem from neglecting our role to comprehend the power we possess. Let us be frank for a minute. There is this cloud of complacency and contentment that we have found ourselves to be in. The ‘’I am tired or one day it will get better attitude’’. Or as long as it does not impact me directly. However, it creates a very negligent people and silences the voices that matter. 

I think the book whispers a call to civil society to revisit their role in democracy in South Africa. We need to unlearn and relearn what our democratic values should represent. We need to relearn what it means to have a say and find our voices. Our role is not to accept what is handed to us; however we need to challenge it when it does not cater for us. We have a huge responsibility to play in our country’s development and more involvement is needed on our end. 

Writers raise consciousness

The book being published in 2017 is still very relevant to date. This is a research based book with very important events that took place in South Africa. I love how they take us through each event and have the evidence to support every investigation. I share the sentiments raised by the authors that state institutions have been tampered with through corruption. Although cases or investigations point to Zuma, he is not the only one that needs to account. 

‘’Ubaba’’ is not the state capture, there are many more politicians that were captured. I think his name showed up the most because he was president at the time. The notion of a state capture report is to highlight what has been done in these institutions without the knowledge of the public and reveal the mismanagement to the public .This reiterates to the public the need to understand our role as citizens. This is  because  when state institutions such as the National Treasury are tampered with we look to the entrusted government because it regulates the financial management.  

I personally don’t think ‘’ubaba’’ is responsible for where we are as a nation. I believe he played a part however, he is not the real enemy here. To a certain extent we the people could be the enemy for believing these politicians so much and not voting them out. The real enemy is a government that lacks accountability to its people. The enemy of the people is the corruption and the misuse of state resources here. Jacob Zuma is the face of the enemy, like with politics someone had to take the fall. I am sorry that it had to be him however, I am not sorry because he too is not innocent.  

Look at him now, using his influence to recycle and reshuffle political figures to exercise his power. We could learn a thing or two from ‘’ubaba’’. 

Moral– Africans know the power that you possess and use it.

I hope to meet ‘’ubaba’’ one day. I highly recommend this book.

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

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