Comparison between South Africa’s best head of state yet and its worst head of state.
Summary:
Verwoerd:
- Probably most intelligent head of state that Africa ever had. One of the most intelligent in the world. Never had notes for his speeches.
- Never killed a person in his life
- Built schools, hospitals and universities for thousands of black people.
- Did not believe in the superiority of one race. Believe that all had equal potential but were just at different stages of development
- Was admired by Harold MacMillan, John F Kennedy and black leaders such as KD Matanzima.
- Grew up helping poor whites
- Loved black people and was loved by black people – even sat in the garden on Saturdays to teach his black gardener Afrikaans. Blacks travelled hundreds of kilometers to listen to him.
- Could speak many languages, including Xhosa and Zulu.
- Had a simple, single story house and two cars, for which the state never paid a cent.
Zuma:
- Has a grade 3 qualification. Reads his speeches.
- Arranged the killing of many innocent blacks when he was a SACP member.
- Caused schools, universities and hospitals to degrade and become non-functional. Keeps textbooks from children.
- Does not believe in the superiority of a race, but disrespects Western culture and even calls walking your dog a “white thing”.
- Is despised by leaders all over the world. David Cameron even denied a meeting with him. Is also called a thief by fellow parliamentarians.
- Keeps blacks in poverty and make empty promises.
- Can speak Zulu and limited English.
- Made upgrades of R250 million at his personal house at the state’s expense.
- Has more than 700 charges of corruption against him and many of rape.
South Africa Today – Opinion by John White
