Our view: Zuma supporters are adamant that he is going nowhere
These are very trying times on the political front, with the country's citizens up in arms demanding that the president, Jacob Zuma step down. On the other hand, diehard Zuma supporters are adamant that he is going nowhere. Bongani Hlatshwayo writes.
Marches have been embarked upon countrywide to register the people’s discontent with the capture of the state by the Gupta family, and the recent cabinet reshuffle.
They further declared publicly that when they registered their objections, they were ignored, which to them, was clearly an order and not a discussion. Just when masses rejoiced at these members taking a stand, they made a turnaround and apologised during a extended meeting of the National Working Committee recently.
That was a disappointment for those who supported the motion for the president to step down. They looked to the three leaders to rescue the ANC from its current conflicted status. These three have lost moral ground and may not be trusted further to lead the ANC.
As if that was not enough, opposition parties united in a march to the Union Buildings, also demanding that the president must step down. They came in their numbers and delivered their statement.
On the same day of the march, Zuma celebrated his 75th birthday in Kliptown, Soweto. About 20 000 supporters attended. He delivered some touching charity initiatives and boldly closed off by telling his guests and the nation that he was prepared to step down, but would continue serving the ANC in all structures even in his old age.
Maybe he has seen the light and is preparing for his exit. What is surprising though is that his closest ally, the president of the women’s league, Bathabile Dlamini, has openly declared that Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is the rightful candidate way before the succession race has been opened by the ANC. No one is condemning her for her actions, and Dlamini-Zuma is now marketed with exclusive live interviews on eNCA. Coincidentally, the radical MP, Dr Makhosi Khoza, who has been objective as chairperson of parliamentary committees exposing her own comrades, was featured in a live interview on governance issues. She said a mouthful.
The ANC wants a female president for the first time since its inception in 1912. So far there is Dlamini-Zuma and Khoza. The choice is yours, but this country needs an objective president more than one engulfed in patronage, because an ANC president will be the president of the country.
Whether the opposition have it their way in voting by secret ballot during Zuma’s vote of no confidence in parliament, the fate of either the country or the ANC lies in the 269 members of the ANC eligible to vote.
