This archive report was first published on 19 July 2021.
On July 19, 2021, the world witnessed the devastating consequences of anticolonial nationalism in South Africa, as riots broke out following the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma.
The riots were a stark reminder of the dangers of this philosophy, which has led to economic, civic, and political dysfunction in much of Africa.
At the heart of this philosophy is a leadership style that blends the mobilisational language and methods of the anti-colonial struggle with the symbolism and language of traditional leadership.
Former Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta, for instance, used the language of the anticolonial struggle, referencing black rule, colonialism, and imperialism, while also donning traditional regalia and encouraging praise accolades reminiscent of a traditional chief.
Similarly, Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah built a cult of personality around himself, borrowing the trappings of a traditional chief, as described by theologian Renhold Niebuhr.
This governance style, which has been described as a 'monarchical tendency in African political culture' by scholar Ali Mazrui, has led to institutions being used as extensions of the president's sovereign will, rather than as checks on power.
Jacob Zuma's presidency, while not as extreme, shared disturbing similarities with these leaders, as he used the language of anticolonialism to justify his corrupt rule and criticized his critics as neocolonial hangovers.
It is a tragedy that some South Africans have bought into Zuma's anticolonial nationalism, justifying the rioting as a manifestation of ideological friction between Cyril Ramaphosa and capital on one hand, and Zuma and black workers on the other.
However, the debate must be resituated as one about a corrupt president and the rule of law, and South Africans must hold firm in their commitment to justice and accountability.
As a Nairobi-based political commentator, I believe that this is a vital lesson for Kenyan institutions on how to deal with thieves in high political places.
