Misanet / The Namibian, 4 November - South Africans yesterday bemoaned a black day for the world and its poorest continent Africa as George W Bush headed for another term as President of the United States. "I have been keeping my fingers crossed that the American people will see some light, finally," said Amina Cachalia, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and a top campaigner for women's rights.

President Bush's likely re-election is a "sad day for Africa, for Muslims all over and for the world in general," said Ms Cachalia, one of dozens of South Africans who attended a gathering in Johannesburg organised by the US consulate to watch the election results.

While conceding that "Kerry was a bit dull", Ms Cachalia pointed out that he would "have staved off on Iraq" and ended a devastating war that began with an issue that has never been proven - Baghdad's alleged stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. "Now Bush can extend his campaign against terror further and maybe Iran will be on the hit list next," she said.

Kevin Malunga, a lecturer of law at Johannesburg's prestigious Witwatersrand University, said the expected turn of events was "a huge dent to multi-lateralism. The world's most powerful country is getting back a man who refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, unsigned America's membership to the International Criminal Court and seriously undermined the United Nations," Mr Malunga said.

- Bush had made it clear, despite his public pronouncements, that Africa was not a priority, so it's bad news for us as well, he added. He reacted very late to crises here - in Darfur, in Liberia and other places - which shows what's important for him."

However, James Lennox, the chief executive officer for the powerful South African Chamber of Business (SACOB) said the organisation had been rooting for Bush as he was tried and tested. "It's positive as there is a continuity."

- The Bush administration's business engagement with Africa has been more positive, Mr Lennox added. "I speak of the Millennium Challenge goals, the extension and broadening of the AGOA [African Growth and Opportunity Act], the funds to fight HIV-AIDS and his receptiveness to free trade."

Signed into law on 18 May 2000, AGOA allows nearly 40 sub-Saharan countries to export some 6 100 products, including fibres, yarns, threads, fabrics, footwear, wine and motor vehicle components duty-free to the United States.

Mr Lennox said proof of the positive spin-off of the Bush regime for South Africa was the fact that "over the past four years we have been exporting about US$ 4,5 billion worth of goods annually to the United States while importing US$ 2,5 billion worth. Six years ago we were posting a deficit in bilateral trade."

Simangele Sekgobela, deputy chief economist of South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation, said Mr Kerry's campaign pledges were more in line with South Africa's policies. "He stands for affirmative action, which is what we are implementing in our country."

- He is against the death penalty, which is what we support, added Ms Sekgobela. "He, like us, is against privatisation of social security."

- If Kerry wins, he will soften the stand on terrorism, she pointed out. "This would lead to stability in the Middle East, the lowering of oil prices and in South Africa result in helping us to curb inflation and boost economic growth." However, she added: "No matter who emerges as the victor, what the world needs now is a man who can end the madness in Iraq without force."

By Abhik Kumar Chanda

© Misanet / The Namibian

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