Will Jacob Zuma still be president by June 30?

The DA has, numerous times, tried to secure a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma in parliament, but has been unsuccessful each time, leaving most to believe Zuma will be president until 2019.

Last month, the country embarked on an anti-Zuma march, which saw South Africans from all races coming together to send one message: Zuma must step down. Most believed the president would get pressured into stepping down, but that has not happened.

Following a court ruling that the president failed to uphold the constitution by not implementing former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s recommendations on Nkandla, as well as his close relationship with the controversial Gupta family, accused of influencing parliamentary appointments and capturing the state, the EFF has joined calls for the president to step down.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM), along with the EFF, have now approached the Constitutional Court to have speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete allow a secret ballot when MPs vote on the no confidence motion in Zuma.

Bantu Holomisa’s court bid comes after the president’s Cabinet reshuffle in March, which saw then finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his then deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, getting sacked.

The speaker has previously argued that the rules of parliament did not provide for a secret ballot, though legal experts have disputed this. Judgment was reserved.

Addressing the crowd outside the court last week, EFF leader Julius Malema said though the judgment was reserved, they “are going to win this”.

The EFF leader said parliament had agreed there was no harm in a secret ballot, further threatening a national shutdown on the day of motion of no confidence in Zuma, in support of the ANC MPs to help them make the right decision.

He further said his party hoped the president would step down in June.

“How can we be a normal society when the president can’t think? When he’s not stealing, he is getting married,” he said.

EFF national chairperson Dali Mpofu also supported his leader’s assertion that the president would step down by June. Now the countdown has started, and president of the Progressive Professionals’ Forum (PPF) and Zuma supporter Mzwanele Manyi was the first to remind Mpofu of his words on Wednesday night.

“Err Mpofu … the time for countdown to 31 May 2017 has come. Will President Jacob Zuma still be president of South Africa by 1/6/17? You said NO. I said YES,” he told Mpofu.

In response, Mpofu said Manyi may have won the first round due to “unforeseen delays”, as the court had not delivered its judgment on the secret ballot.

“But your man is comatose.. Double or quits for end June? Remember: He who laughs last,” Mpofu told Manyi.

Do you think anything will happen in the next five weeks to make the president step down?

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These were some of the reactions on Twitter:

“I think Adv Mpofu’s answer is true. So-called #1 has long stopped being SA president. Prez of Zuptastan, yes.”

“I think its unfair to claim victory considering the fact that Mr Mpofu is still waiting for motion of no confidence. Postpone to 30 June.”

“Well Zuma will still serve as a president comes that day, unfortunately.”

“Lol Cde Mzwanele my money is on you.”

“I didn’t mean to disrespect u sir nor look u down but I have a feeling that no one can put JZ down except his people (ANC). He always escape from a hook.”

“Only the ANC can remove him, if it happens, it will be decisively divisive, so it will not happen. That will be the last laugh.”

“When is the judgment day for secret votes? We want Zuma out please we are tired. Please advise me fighter.”