The knives are out for you, Pravin, and it’s simply because you have one major flaw as a politician, says Denis Pather.
Howzit, Pravin. Long time no see – although, if I got a penny every time your name hit the headlines, I’d be in the pound seats today.
I can’t help recalling the hurly-burly of the old Struggle days in Durban when you and your comrades ran the gauntlet of arbitrary arrests, torture, interrogation and detention by apartheid’s bully boys.
I bet surviving in that oppressive environment was virtually like living in a snakepit.
Only trouble is, Pravin, it’s now 22 years later and nothing much appears to have changed for you.
You may be Minister of Finance now, but you’re still trapped in a snakepit. The only difference is the current species of snakes surrounding you are far more predatory, venomous and greedy. So, here’s a bit of free advice from a friend.
The knives are out for you and it’s simply because you have one major flaw as a politician: you’re just too damn honest.
As supervisor of the ANC’s feeding trough, you are seen by some of your colleagues as an obstacle to their get-rich-quick ambitions. The reptiles are restless because you have too much of a reputation for being Mr Clean.
To get you out of the way, your detractors have devised an elaborate smear campaign.
When the ANC’s youth and women’s leagues called for your head, that was merely the first salvo.
When ANC troubleshooter Jimmy Manyi demands a probe into allegations of corruption in your department, it’s just another potshot at you in a deliberate smear offensive.
So, too, are the attacks on you by the Guptas and recent news leaks that certain Zuma loyalists are lobbying for you to be fired and replaced by former Eskom boss Brian Molefe. Your detractors hope to fling as much mud at you as possible, and sit back and hope some of it sticks.
But the whole world knows your cause is noble and your passion and commitment to fix our economy and win justice and equality for all are unshakeable.
Even if they do succeed in their nefarious plot to unseat you, no worries. There’s that great behind-the-scenes novel just waiting to be written, as well as a string of attractive company directorships just waiting for signatures.
And, oh, if there’s some time left, can you sort out my personal tax returns?