‘Yellow-bone’ Zuma charms
AS President Jacob Zuma went on a charm offensive in Uitenhage yesterday, unimpressed taxi drivers complained that his presence was affecting their business.
But their gripes went virtually unnoticed, with the excited crowd pushing and shoving to get closer to Zuma at the Uitenhage taxi rank.
One awestruck woman, seeing him in person for the first time, exclaimed: “Wow! He’s a yellow-bone. Even his head is yellow.
“He is so light, he must have put on foundation or Eskamel.”
A “yellow-bone” is slang for a goodlooking, light-skinned black person.
He charmed the crowd further by singing his Umshini Wam song and dancing, prompting others to join in.
Zuma is in Port Elizabeth for the launch of the party’s manifesto in the city tomorrow.
Accompanying him were ANC national executive committee members Nomvula Mokonyane, Malusi Gigaba and Zizi Kodwa, as well as Eastern Cape ANC chairman and premier Phumulo Masualle.
Earlier, a jovial Zuma ambled around the Uitenhage shopping mall, chatting to shop-owners, hawkers and shoppers.
At the taxi rank, Nhonhose Mdingiso said that on seeing him in person for the first time she was just happy to hold the president’s hand.
“We always see him on TV. I am so happy I held his hand. We love the ANC, this is our party,” she said.
Other people were more demanding, with some people yelling: “Zuma‚ I’m hungry” and “Buy us baby formula‚ we are struggling‚ Zuma”.
An unperturbed Zuma waved and told them: “We will fix these issues‚ we have started and we will continue to do so.”
Unhappy taxi drivers, meanwhile, complained that the mini-rally had brought their business to a standstill.
One taxi driver, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, said: “He is a president that is a liar. He is here to use us for voting. He is delaying our business – I hate this person.”
Another taxi driver said he was angry that Zuma was delaying their business.
Asked why he was wearing the party’s T-shirt, he said: “This thing is going to be my pyjamas.
“I won’t even go to this manifesto – these people are liars. They come to see us when its election time.”
A third taxi driver shouted furiously at the people pushing and shoving to try to see Zuma.
“This place is full of ANC, they must go to Jabavu [stadium],” he said.
“I have been sitting here the whole morning. Business is not moving because of this rubbish of a rally.”
Addressing the packed taxi rank, Zuma said the ANC was not intimidated by the opposition parties.
“The ANC is different from other political parties ... we are the people’s party,” he said.
“Some will love or hate us, but we are a liberation movement, that will never change.” Zuma also lashed out at his critics. “I took a decision to work for you. They can swear at me and say whatever, I will work for you until I die,” he said to loud cheers.
