Like someone in an English novel, I had luncheon on Tuesday with two learned friends. One is a professor of politics and newspaper columnist; the other a former political journalist; and I of course am a veteran gadfly.
Two of us know Satyandranath Ragunanan "Mac" Maharaj, President Jacob G Zuma's new spokesperson, or the "new presidential spokesperson" if you prefer, pretty well. And we three agreed that there was something odd about the sudden and unexpected appointment of Maharaj and the dis-appointment of Zizi Kodwa.
We three had read the various articles that had come out in various newspapers by various political reporters or analysts.
The collective view seemed to be that Kodwa, a pleasant and generally helpful fellow, in contrast to most other ministerial spokespeople, had been shifted sideways because of his perceived "connection" with the young filibusterers from the ANC Youth League, and that Maharaj had been "instructed" to become the boss's spokesperson.
One of my luncheon companions, the former journalist, warmed to this theme and said unhappiness with Kodwa stretched back to the ANC's national general council in September last year. Allegedly, Kodwa had told the youngsters to chill and that all would be well.
But then, as you recall, Zuma publicly admonished Julius Malema, the YL president, and everyone was unhappy. And Malema continued his onslaught against Zuma and recently - so I was told - the president's right-hand (wo)man, Lakela Kaunda, the director-general of the president's office, decided it was time to cut off Kodwa's oxygen supply once and for all.