Former South African President Jacob Zuma has expressed deep concerns over what he perceives as the declining quality of leadership across the African continent. In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Zuma emphasized that ineffective governance continues to undermine Africa’s potential for growth and development, hampering efforts to address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and underdevelopment.
Zuma’s remarks pointed to the absence of strategic and forward-thinking leadership as a significant barrier preventing many African nations from claiming their rightful place on the global stage. He highlighted the need for leadership that prioritizes accountability, vision, and the collective good of the people, rather than succumbing to short-term interests or external pressures.
“We [Africa] became a kind of democracy that people were talking about at the beginning, but something interfered with Africa, as we know. For example, there was a coup d’etat, where the Western countries were actually organizing the coup d’etat against us,” Zuma explained. He suggested that external interference has historically derailed Africa’s progress, creating setbacks that continue to reverberate across the continent.
Zuma also lamented what he described as the erosion of Africa’s ability to articulate its interests and assert itself in global matters. He contrasted the bold and proactive leadership of the past with the current state of affairs, where many leaders remain passive in the face of challenges. “If you talk about today in Africa, there are issues that are there which you wonder why. Leaders are very reluctant and quiet. Even if things are going wrong, that tells you the standard is no longer the same,” he said.
The former president called for a renewed sense of urgency among African citizens to demand better governance from their leaders. He urged governments, civil society, and citizens to work collaboratively to create an environment where effective leadership can thrive, enabling sustainable progress for the continent. According to Zuma, this collective effort is essential for tackling the complex and interconnected issues facing Africa.
In reflecting on the current state of African leadership, Zuma acknowledged a decline in the quality of leaders over time. He expressed concern about the lack of action and vision among many current leaders, noting that Africa’s ability to respond to crises and advocate for itself has weakened. “There are issues that are happening in Africa now, which if it was still at some point, Africa would be fit to say what it is happening to try to help. It’s no longer the same. It started coming down slowly for some time now,” he observed.
Despite his concerns, Zuma highlighted bright spots on the continent, citing Ghana as an example of a country demonstrating effective and visionary leadership. He specifically praised Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, describing him as a model leader whose approach aligns with the aspirations of the African people.
Zuma commended Mahama’s re-election in 2024, calling it a step in the right direction for Ghana and a symbol of hope for the continent. “The coming in of the current president proved that Ghana still stands on the side of the people, wanting to move forward all the time. And we’re very happy. We see Ghana articulating what we believe to be the direction to where Africa must go,” he remarked.
Zuma’s endorsement of Mahama underscores his belief in leadership that prioritizes inclusivity, accountability, and a forward-looking vision. He lauded Mahama’s efforts to steer Ghana on a path of progress, positioning the country as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other African nations.
The interview also shed light on the broader implications of leadership failures in Africa. Zuma argued that the continent’s development hinges on its ability to cultivate leaders who are committed to addressing systemic challenges and championing the interests of their people. He urged African nations to reflect on their governance structures and invest in nurturing a new generation of leaders capable of driving transformative change.
Zuma’s critique of African leadership comes at a time when the continent faces mounting challenges, from economic instability to political unrest. His call for stronger leadership resonates with many who believe that Africa’s potential can only be unlocked through visionary governance and strategic planning.
While acknowledging the difficulties ahead, Zuma expressed optimism about Africa’s future. He emphasized that with the right leadership and a united effort from all stakeholders, the continent can overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable growth. “Africa was becoming very strong once again. I think they shifted Africa to quite an extent,” he said, alluding to external and internal factors that have shaped the continent’s trajectory.
The former president’s remarks have sparked discussions about the role of leadership in shaping Africa’s destiny. As nations across the continent grapple with issues of governance, inequality, and development, Zuma’s call for accountability and visionary leadership serves as a reminder of the critical role that leaders play in driving progress.
In praising Ghana and its leadership under Mahama, Zuma highlighted the importance of setting positive examples for the rest of the continent. He called on other African leaders to emulate Ghana’s approach, emphasizing that strong and effective governance is essential for building a prosperous and equitable future for all.
Zuma’s reflections on African leadership underscore the urgency of addressing the continent’s governance challenges. His message serves as both a critique of the current state of affairs and a call to action for leaders, citizens, and stakeholders to work together in pursuit of a brighter future for Africa.
