Former South African President Jacob Zuma has voiced deep concerns about the declining quality of leadership across Africa, attributing it to external interference and a lack of proactive decision-making.
Zuma pointed to challenges that have weakened Africa’s influence on the global stage, stating, “Africa was emerging as a strong democratic voice, but interference, such as orchestrated coup d’états by Western countries, disrupted our progress. We tried to regain momentum, but Africa was shifted off course.”
He shared these views during an interview on Channel One TV’s Point of View, where he also criticized the shift in political culture among current African leaders. Zuma observed that many leaders today hesitate to act decisively on critical issues, a stark contrast to the assertive and united leadership of the past.
“There are ongoing issues across the continent, and it’s troubling to see how Africa has grown quieter in addressing its challenges. In the past, leaders would respond immediately, but now, there’s a reluctance and silence, even when things are going wrong. This shows that leadership standards have declined,” he lamented.
Despite his criticism, Zuma praised former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, calling him an exemplary leader. He described Mahama’s re-election as a significant victory for Ghana and an inspiring example of effective leadership for the African continent.
