ANC MPs quit posts to join Obama

PRETORIA. Leading ANC politicians have ended speculation about their future, announcing that they will travel to the US to seek senior positions in Barack Obama's new cabinet. The rebel politicians said they had delayed their decision until a clear and powerful winner had emerged, adding that Obama was now somewhat more powerful than Jacob Zuma.

Addressing the media at OR Tambo International Airport this morning, a spokesman for the contingent of ANC politicians said that Obama's win had put the current power struggle in South Africa in perspective.

"Every South Africa politician understands that the first duty of a public servant is to serve his own financial interests," said spokesman Mandrax Phiri.

"We are 100 percent loyal to Comrade Jacob Zuma, but he will understand that we are also 110 percent loyal to our pensions."

He said that ultimately firepower had also been a consideration.

"Every true patriot knows that wonderful anthem 'Awlethu Mshini Wam'," said Phiri.

"But the reality is that in January Mr Obama will be given the launch codes, and you can't really compare 'Awlethu Mshini Wam' with 'Awlethu Nuclear Warheads Wam'."

He conceded that the ANC faction was taking a risk in buying one-way tickets to Washington, but said he was confident that they had the skills to secure high-paying consulting jobs in the Obama administration.

"This is Obama's honeymoon period," said Phiri. "He can do no wrong.

"But that will change. He'll get corrupt, and he'll lie, and he'll backtrack, and he'll deny.

"And when he does he'll need experienced people who have spent years deflecting criticism, denying wrongdoing, covering up corruption, and accusing critics of being racists. E voila!

"It's a license to print money. Amandla Obama! Viva Green Card Viva!"