Zuma already tastes challenges of presidency as South Africa votes

Jacob Zuma, the man poised to be South Africa's next president, is already having a taste of the Herculean challenges that could be awaiting him, while at the helm, and seems to acknowledge that some things are easier promised than done.

Clearly, Mr Zuma, the man poised to be South Africa's next president, and the entire ANC top brass, could not take any chances.

The ANC is targeting an overwhelming election victory that would allow it to govern without banking much on the goodwill of the rival political parties.

Mr Zuma told Santaco that it was in their interest for the ANC to garner an overwhelming victory, as this would place the ruling party in a better position to fulfill its election promises.

Transport minister Jeff Radebe, however, was more candid. "The government," he said, "had a responsibility to provide the people of South Africa with an improved public transport system."

But Santaco president Andrew Mthembu would hear none of it. Indeed he would be happy if the BRT plan was abandoned altogether.

"For us to meaningfully engage, let this thing come to a halt,'' South African daily, The Star, quoted Mr Mthembu as saying.

Whether he becomes South Africa's president or not, it would be interesting to see how long Mr Zuma blocks a noble public transport initiative to appease a single constituency.