This can't be good...

It is hard to be hopeful about the future of South Africa's leadership on the continent. Thabo Mbeki's role in Zimbabwe as Mugabe's chief enabler, especially recently, has been shameful and decisive. Like many westerners, though, I am pessimistic about the kind of change that Jacob Zuma might bring to the leadership of the country when he succeeds Mbeki to the presidency next year. The cloud of corruption that surrounds him is worrisome, and reminiscent of a kind the sub-Saharan politics that South Africa once seemed poised to escape, and which it must escape if it is to lead the region out of hopeless poverty.

Last week, when a judge threw out charges against Zuma, it was reported that his supporters celebrated outside the courtroom by singing his signature song. Only today, in this report in the NYT that prosecutors are considering further action, was this interesting tidbit included:

"They cheered jubilantly outside court as their leader led them in his signature song, 'Bring Me My Machine Gun.'"