President Jacob Zuma laughs alone

At that precise moment no answers are demanded on the infamous arms deal or police corruption because the nation has the giggles and the President laughs loudest. An ambassador - clearly charmed - once remarked to me that it is a 'beautiful laugh' - and then laughed from his belly. The spell had been cast and from that moment on he had a crush on my President.

However, for many South Africans the love affair with our President is on the rocks. The polls reflect a growing unease with politics that appears increasingly driven by self-preservation: preservation of power, preservation from prosecution and preservation of moneyed lifestyles. A potentially toxic mix and the basis of political impunity. How far are the President and those around him prepared to go in pursuit of this goal?