the world bank and south africa

well, i dont even feel like using caps and nor do i feel like using punctuation as i sit at my desk and write this. this blog is for me no doubt an outlet where i am able to express calculated thought, cool ideas, poetic thinking but this morning it is more of an outlet for frustration and perhaps even disgust.

I have been monitoring the paper quite a bit lately and i can't help contrasting two rather pivotal stories that are unfolding at the moment. for those that have not been getting the paper at their door for the last week and a half (im house-sitting!) allow me to give you a brief summary...

Story 1. The Cheif of the World Bank is in serious trouble. His name is Paul Wolfowitz and he recently arranged a rather substantial promotion (all employee benefits included) for his girlfriend. AAH... not a clever move but I have been surprised at the attention this issue has received. Here are my favorite extractions...

"[staff at the World Bank] argue that the institutions moral authority has been left in tatters, especially it's authority to make countries that receive aid accountable for the money, a priority for Wolfowitz, who has ruffled feathers at the bank with a strong arm anti-corruption push." (Business Day, 16 Apr 2007)

"Embattled World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz looked more isolated than ever on Thursday as directors debated his fate amid the rumblings of a civil war among senior staff. The 24 executive directors discussed what action to take over a pay and favouritism scandal that has engulfed the former Pentagon deputy chief." (Mail & Guardian, 20 Apr 2007)

Well it seems the world (or certainly its bank) knows hypocrisy when it sees it. More and more it looks as though Mr. Wolfowitz is going to lose his job. Integrity tainted, moral authority deflated and his exit anticipated.

Now, story number 2 will be something you are more familiar with, but don't let familiarity stand in the way of objectivity (that way you can be re-appalled all over again):

Story 2. Jacob Zuma seems likely to become to next president of South Africa. Well, perhaps likely is being too pessimistic, but there seems to be nothing legal standing in his way. This week there were headlines in the Star that COSATU would not back Zuma as the new #1 of the ANC. The next day it withdrew this comment. Actually COSATU said it wasn't aware of saying such a thing. Great show.

"Jacob Zuma pledged not to withdraw legal action he has instituted against members of the media. He also said he would accept nomination for a leadership position at the ANC's national conference near the end of this year." (Mail & Guardian, 17 Apr 2007)

For those needing a little expounding, Zuma wants presidency. I would like to remind you that this is the same Jacob Zuma who lost all integrity as our AIDS spokesman by having an affair with someone he knew to be HIV positive. This is the same Jacob Zuma found guilty of fraud at the second highest level of government. This is the same Jacob Zuma that may well become the new dictionary definition for 'mistake'.

Integrity lost, moral authority tossed, presidential campaign embossed.

The two stories don't correlate nicely in my mind. They tend to put a shadow on my day which otherwise seems bright and sunny. I just don't get how something relatively (seeing as we have a point of comparison) small results in immediate and extreme action, whereas something relatively (and non relatively) disgusting can be tolerated by many of my countrymen.

More and more I am convinced that the foundation of a prosperous society are it's morals. We still have much to learn from those who know when they have acted immorally and are willing to accept the repercussions of their mistakes. Or at least Zuma does.