Johannesburg - Mac Maharaj reckons he hasn’t had more than three holidays in his life. Now, at the age of almost 80, President Jacob Zuma’s soon-to-be former spokesman has decided to learn how to relax.
“I think there have only been three occasions in my life when I’ve actually been able to take a holiday, so I don’t know what it is, how to spend leisure time. I’m going to have to learn that,” he says.
Although he lives in Durban, water might not be the answer.
“One fear I have is of water, so maybe I’ll learn how to swim. But then I vowed when I left Robben Island that I’ll never, never have a cold shower again, so they’ll have to warm the sea for me,” he chuckles.
Maharaj announced last week that he would be retiring at the end of this month after serving four years in the Presidency.
“It’s not a sudden decision. I’ve been asking the question and discussing it with my family. I’m looking forward to it because, from my point of view, that moment has arrived.”
He admits that Zuma asked him to stay longer but the president understood his need to slow down.
One of the projects Maharaj hopes to become more involved in is an exhibition showing in Durban. It tells how the Indian community became part of the mainstream Struggle.
He’s also writing a book with Pallo Jordan on the ANC’s 100 years of existence.
“We’ve gone quite a way and I’m hoping we can knuckle down to that again and finish it.”
Maharaj struggles to pinpoint any specific moment in his career that stands out.
“Each episode has its enormous pluses.”
His 12 years on Robben Island, he says, were “an enormous privilege”. “What would you give to live and work alongside (Walter) Sisulu, (Nelson) Mandela, and not be lectured by them but learn by their example? You can’t get that even if you pay a university fee.”
Maharaj had to put out many fires during his time in the Presidency, defending controversies involving the president. But these he takes in his stride.
“That goes with the territory. Anyone who chooses to be spokesman of any leader… you can’t say to (Barack) Obama or (David) Cameron: ‘I’ll be your spokesman but only when the things are good’. If there were no difficulties in the job, it wouldn’t be worth doing it.”
He is pleased with what he’s achieved as spokesman: “I remain proud to this day in my work as spokesman. You can go Google or tweet as much as you want, you will not find a moment where you will say Mac you told this, it is a lie.
“I leave the job with a little bit of a healthier relationship with the media. I think I’ve learnt to respect them and understand their problems better in the newsroom.”
Asked what his duties entail as the president’s special adviser, Maharaj sits back and laughs loudly. “Bugger all. I spend my life joking with the president, that’s all. When I get a chance.”
The secret to his longevity?
“There’s a simple one. Go to prison, have a diet that has no sugar and no fat, plenty of exercise with pick and shovel, free board and lodge, good company, you live long… and I hate the gym.”
Although Maharaj will be turning 80 next Wednesday, he doesn’t want any fuss.
“I am out of the country on work on my birthday. I don’t want the president or anybody to do anything, and no, I’m not going to buy them a cake.”
The Star