The Stream

#ZumaExit: Will South Africa’s Jacob Zuma resign?

The ANC is pushing for the president to leave office, but Zuma aims to leave on his own terms.

South African President Jacob Zuma’s days in office could be numbered. The country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is reportedly pressuring him to resign his position more than a year before his second term is set to expire.

Deputy President and ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the party’s executive committee would meet on Monday to discuss Zuma’s fate, saying the “people want this matter to be finalised”.

Zuma, in power since 2009, has come under fire for alleged involvement in several scandals. Although he denies any wrongdoing – and maintains a measure of support within the ANC – there are public demands for his approval, with some South Africans using the hashtags #ZumaMustFall and #ZumaMustGo to express their dissatisfaction.

For the president’s critics, a dignified exit or simple transfer of power to Ramaphosa is not enough. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s largest opposition party, has said Zuma “must be prosecuted and, if found guilty, be locked up for his crimes”.

So, will the ANC force Zuma out of office or will the so-called “teflon” president resign on his own terms?

In this episode, The Stream hosts a panel of South African commentators to explore President Zuma’s legacy and the future of the country’s political landscape.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Redi Tlhabi @RediTlhabi
Radio Talk Show Host
702.co.za

Tasneem Essop @tasneemessop_
Researcher, SWOP Institute, Wits University

Kumi Naidoo @kuminaidoo
Human Rights Activist
africans-rising.org

Read more:
South Africa’s ANC to force Zuma to quit as president – Al Jazeera
South Africans, media held hostage by Zuma indecision – Al Jazeera
Jacob Zuma could step down as South African president ‘within days’ – The Guardian

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