A Simple Man – Kasrils and the Zuma Enigma

by Ronnie Kasrils

Ronnie Kasrils’s insights into Jacob Zuma in A Simple Man, both shocking and revelatory, are vividly illuminated through this story, from their shared history in the underground to Kasrils’s time as minister of intelligence and his views on South Africa now. Our understanding of Zuma the struggle hero, now perceived as having sold his soul to the devil, becomes clearer through this narrative.
This fast-paced, thriller-style memoir outlines the tumultuous years that saw Mbeki’s overthrow and replacement by Zuma, Nkandlagate, the growing militarisation of the police and the Marikana Massacre, the outrageous appointment of flunkies to high office, the ‘state capture’ report and his relationship with the Guptas. We relive the Schabir Shaik corruption trial, Kasrils’s relationship with Fezeka Kuzwayo (Khwezi), Zuma’s rape trial accuser, the email and spy tapes saga, conspiracy and betrayal.
‘Yes, comrade President, I think Russia will stand by Iran,’ I was mouthing, though my thoughts were mesmerised by the swinging pendulum. The fifteen-minute chime. The clock needed oiling. A big gulp of the amber fluid. Aziz was rattling on. Mbeki was thoughtful. The man was oblivious to the passing of time … nine interminable minutes more and his presidency would be over.
‘Uncle Ronnie, Jacob Zuma has raped me,’ was the call I received on my mobile phone. The woman added, ‘This is Fezeka.’ My body geared to the shock as though someone was pointing a gun at me: blood ran cold, neck hairs prickled, throat turned dry, mind strove to focus. While Kasrils explains the enigmatic contradictions of Jacob Zuma, he also explains that corruption and the abuse of power does not begin with Zuma. His story points to the compromised negotiations of the 1990s, which he refers to as a ‘Faustian Pact’. This is a story told from the inside, and after reading it, you will understand not only the many machinations of power, but also how one man’s struggle for the truth can have such an impact on the political outcomes of the nation.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2017

Reviews

[Geoffrey Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

As stated in one statement of Sidikiwe/Vukani; "It is profound tragedy that these ideals & prospects are being sacrificed on the alter of self-enrichment & power mongering. Corruption, cronyism, control over the public debate have spread like a cancer through the ANC and, because of this, through government....".
Ronnie Kasrils put his views and opinions across without condescending, if and only if those with hears to hear and eyes to read can take it to heart without being defensively patriotic to the rot that we see in our government.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes politicians do the right thing. Sometimes politicians fight for what they believe in. Ronnie Kasrils is part of this minority group. His intimate look at Jacob Zuma in particular and the latter-day ANC in general is an honest and most likely painful essay on dreams and hopes gone horribly wrong. Highly recommended.

[Siyanda Nazo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly okay

Doesn't reveal any new secrets but author does suggest a way forward for the country. At times authors suggestions seem more Luke an academic exercise. Still, not a bad read but disappointed it didn't attempt to reveal any secrets.

[Sonnymirrors · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book, A Simple Man, to be intriguing, mostly because of its subject, South Africa's former president -Jacob Zuma, and the attendant scandals and 'enigma' that have come to define him. I was mostly interested in finding out in-depth details that would better inform my understanding of the subject and the conditions that shaped his character. I found however that this book though it leads with an exciting revelation of a suspicious incident or interaction in Mozambique which supposedly was not meant for the author's ears, doesn't do much to provide any more detail or exciting substance than this or what is already out there in the public domain for anyone who follows political and personal developments surrounding the main character at hand. What we get here instead is the author's reply or contribution to the extensive catalogue of criticisms and contempt that exist against the subject of the book. Most of it is legitimate and rightful and some of it is self-justifying, on the author's part. On the latter score, one is left wondering whether the author's point of view is fairly critical and balanced, especially when it comes to the Mbeki v Zuma debacle, or if it is even meant to be so. The author does provide great insight and commentary on the negotiations shortcomings, his government's failures and the implications thereof for the challenges faced by South Africa in the status quo. And there's no doubt that the author is passionate in his critique of certain political actors and their failures and that he is concerned about South Africa and its direction. Whether this critique will be extended to other political actors and with as much passion, one can only wonder. Though this book, in my view, doesn't live up to its promise of unmasking Zuma convincingly, it's nonetheless a worthwhile read, that makes a passionate and insightful intervention on the state of affairs in South Africa, how we got here and how we can possibly get somewhere else that is better and fairer.

[Raymond Strodl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insiders view

A well written and informative read which provided a view into the events that formed the SA of today and the decisions made, games played and plans set in motion in the 1980 to 2017 , written by a socialist who beautifully frames the debate happenings today of the need for radical economic reform and redistribution of land with out compensation.

Decisions were made bowing to international pressure that resulted in failure to provide for the poor of this country adequately and the damage caused by the Zupta years.

Insights into the lead up to the Zuma presidency, the Kwezi rape trial and many decisions at that time were very illuminating and often confirmed my own beliefs on what was happening at the time, which was very satisying.

Any one who would like some insight on what has happened in our country in the past 20 years, as seen by an unashamed socialist will enjoy this book which I found provided balance to my current views and opinions.

[Victor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting perspective from an insider. I learned a lot about inner workings of ANC and development of SA governance since 90’s, not that I knew much before...

A ghost writer would have helped tremendously.

[Willemien Kleijn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing insider view

Kasrils gives a look behind the scenes, going back to Zuma's early days as well as events leading up to the Zuma-Gupta years. Makes a facinating read that is written in an accessible manner. Couldn't put it down.

[Molebatsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is Ronnie Kasrils take on President Jacob Zuma who he will never forgive for challenging and winning against Thabo Mbeki. To sum it in few words. It is bitterness in steroid.

[Lisa F · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing dry about this book- it is wildly engaging, fascinating and thoughtful. An insider account of Zuma from an impeccable source. Wonderful.

[Katleho · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy the book. It felt like a faction document convincing delegates why they shouldn’t vote for the other faction

[Magnus Godvik]

I bought the book to learn more about Zuma’rise and fall, but unfortunately the author assumes the reader is already familiar with Zuma’s presidency. Instead it offers personal reflections on some of the major scandals, written in a high paced style of a thriller. While I’m none the wiser about the Guptas and the state capture, I did find the book’s last part intriguing. Here Kasrils turns his attention towards ANC decisions in the early 90s to adopt a more Neo-Liberal economic approach, while also attempting to answer the question of why so many of his former comrades have been winded up in corruption scandals. However this would have been far more compelling book if Kasrils had reflected more on his own actions and choices after he joined the government. Was he ever tempted to use his new position to enrich himself? How did he reconcile his vehement stance against neo-liberalism with his strong allegiance to Mbeki?