South African expatriates worry about instability

Dubai: South African expatriates in the UAE are concerned about the political situation in their homeland after President Thabo Mbeki accepted a call from the governing African National Congress to resign.

Anika van Heerden, a 28-year-old sales manager from Johannesburg said her country had been through so much in the last few years that the most important thing right now was stability.

She said: "The forced resignation of President Thabo Mbeki will create a lot of uncertainty and will most probably lead to a crisis which is going to affect all the hard work we have done and how far we have come as a nation.

"No matter how carefully the transition is executed it is going to have a detrimental effect on all South Africans. The thought that Jacob Zuma will be the next President of South Africa is a huge concern."

Mbeki, who was scheduled to make a televised address to the nation on Sunday, will step down "once all constitutional requirements have been met". The 66-year-old denies interfering in a corruption case against his rival, African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma.

Shane Hedley, a 27-year-old content manager from Durban said: "I have never been a fan of Mbeki, mostly because of the completely spineless way he has handled the Aids issue and for tiptoeing around [Zimbabwean President] Robert Mugabe.

"However, I think the way he has been ousted without any sort if public hearing or court case is a little worrying and might set a dangerous precedent, especially in this unsettling time."

Parliament is expected to meet in the coming days to formalise Mbeki's resignation in a move that could fundamentally change South Africa's political landscape.

Bright side

Shaun Kotwal, a 29-year-old banker from Johannesburg, said: "It's disappointing to lose Mbeki in this way but it's comforting that the rule of law has prevailed and our young democracy has passed a test that many other countries have failed - curbing the influence of the presidency."

Bryce Allan a 24-year-old engineer form Durban said: "As long as there is a smooth transition and the majority of the Cabinet stays then things should be okay.

"It is comforting to know that Mosima Gabriel Sexwale and Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa are still on board in the Zuma camp so at least there are some intelligent people behind the scenes. Let us just hope that Zwelinzima Vavi and company do not now overwhelm the party; that worries me more than Zuma becoming president."