Claudius van Wyk: South Africa – will a rainbow still follow the present storm?

JOHANNESBURG — BizNews publisher and editor Alec Hogg’s recent talk with former President FW de Klerk in London drew many attendees. Among those in the audience was Dr Claudius van Wyk and this is what he had to say about the event. – Gareth van Zyl

By Dr Claudius van Wyk*

I had the privilege of reconnecting with President FW de Klerk of South Africa after 28 years. We last met immediately prior to the unbanning of the ANC and other political grouping, and the historic release of Nelson Mandela. Then I had the honour of meeting Mandela shortly after his release with some further correspondence that followed during his term of office as President.

Alec Hogg of BizNews organised this event at the Institute of Directors in London. It was well attended, mainly by South Africans who now live in what Hogg described as SA’s 10th province.

Listening to his insightful answers to the interview questions, I found De Klerk to have remained consistent to his original message; one based on his principle pragmatism. His perspective remains reassuringly broad-ranging. Yes, there were some ‘old school’ elements in certain of his views, particularly in his economic thinking, but he remains dedicated to the ‘rainbow nation’ dream that was launched with his strategic and insightful leadership. At eighty one he is still vigorous, articulate and committed to continuing the work he initiated after the demise of apartheid. Here below are some of his responses.

What realistically is the present situation in SA?

South Africa is in a big mess. State capture is a reality. The economy remains in recession in real terms with the job-creating sectors, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture in continual decline. ANC state policy and crony capitalism are to blame. The Democratic Alliance controlled Western Cape is doing much better, but he agreed that there could well be regime inspired political agitation behind the social unrest to discredit the administration.

On the race card being played by the Zuma- regime?

There will be no quick fix for the toxic injection of racism (especially the white monopoly capital case) currently being driven by the present regime. In this respect Bell Pottinger got what it deserved – as also ought the other companies who are currently being investigated – if the are found to have been complicit.

Will South Africa go the Zimbabwe route?

This is an unlikely scenario, especially because of South Africa’s robust civil society, its mature and internally generated economy, its excellent constitution, and a still impartial Constitutional Court with the will to safeguard citizens rights within the requirement so the constitution.

What is the future of the ANC?

ANC will inevitably split – and that will be around the issue of its focus on race, on the one hand, and a focus on values, on the other. However ‘moderates’ in the ANC must take a bold stand and bring the ANC back to Mandela’s values. When this finally happens politics in South Africa will be ‘normalised’. With the opposition Democratic Alliance occupying the ‘liberal position’ there is still room in SA for centre-right party like Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats.

A realignment will enable South Africa to successfully accept its present challenges.

Is their still hope for South Africa’s future?

There are four pillars of hope; the nation’s constitution, its robust civil society, the on-going presence of an independent media, and its independent judiciary. He has further confidence in the future, especially with changing attitudes of the fast growing black middle-class. Seeing black and white children comfortably mixing at integrated schools is an example.

The Save South Africa initiative?

A number of bodies, including his own foundation, have come together on the role of civil society in a renewed national dialogue. The question bringing them all together is generative: “How do we build nationhood in diversity?” (Interestingly, De Klerk includes ‘business’ in civil society.)

On corruption in South Africa?

Corruption is a real problem and has become endemic. But it is important to accept that you will never eradicate it – you must do your best to control it. In reality the more sophisticated the society, the more sophisticated the corruption will be. In South Africa it is just very rough and raw.

On crime in SA, and talk of genocide of white farmers?

The on-going incidence of crime is deeply concerning, but ‘genocide’ is an exaggerated claim. Statistically the people who suffer most from violence, murder and rape, are found in the townships and squatter camps. That is still largely a function of poverty. White farmers are easily targeted because of their remoteness and accompanying vulnerability – but this not a function of some conspiracy.

On the role of the church in SA?

The church still takes the lead in talking directly to moral issues – but it must remain above politics. South Africa is a secular country. De Klerk considers himself a Christian – he believes in God, but he also believes it’s up to ordinary people who must personally make the changes in the country.

On the special qualities of leadership urgently needed in SA?

At this time it’s clear that the whole world needs a special quality of leadership – but there are no saviours on the horizon – anywhere. South Africa needs someone who has a strong moral conscience, who does not surround him or herself with ‘yes’ men, and who is prepared to make bold decisions and admit to mistakes. Above all the message should be of a South Africa where everyone believed they could realise their full potential.

On North Korea and the nuclear weapons crisis?

Kim Jong Un is not open to negotiation. De Klerk himself made the decision to dismantle South Africa’s nuclear bombs. The whole world should begin to decommission their nuclear arsenal, and then include North Korea in that process. There’s simply no case for nuclear weapons in the world – if he were a young man now that would be one of his core areas of focus..

On the success of his leadership?

He committed himself to a just South Africa after he came to realise that ‘apartheid’ was morally indefensible. He was prepared to make the necessary compromises for the sake of power-sharing – as was Nelson Mandela. In future South Africa will inevitably have to go the route of coalition government – it’s just a matter of time.