Although the ANC in KwaDukuza claims to have welcomed the decision to recall Jacob Zuma, mayor Ricardo Mthembu, like Zuma, still does not know what the previous president did to earn his fate.
Mthembu told the Courier that he supported the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to recall Zuma but that he did not support the manner in which the process was carried out.
He claimed the ANC had been left in the dark with many unanswered questions.
“We have our reservations about the recall and I feel that it could have been better handled. Two weeks ago, we were expecting to be addressed by the NEC but they did not pitch. There were questions that we needed to raise with them and they needed to explain to us the exact reasons for recalling Jacob Zuma.”
The mayor, who led a mass march last year in support of Zuma, said the party remained unified even under their new leader, Cyril Ramaphosa. However, ANC veteran and former ANC president Albert Luthuli’s daughter, Dr Albertina, said the decision to recall Zuma was long overdue and fully welcomed.
“I found it strange that everyone who applies for a job in this country must present a CV, except for the leader of the country.
“I think we are moving past this and stepping in the right direction as Cyril Ramaphosa has a CV that speaks for itself. People should not think ‘what now?’ since Zuma is gone, but they should have confidence and rally behind a man that is fit to dig this country out the hole we have found ourselves in.
“We must acknowledge that Zuma did spend most of his life in the ANC but it appears he lost direction somewhere along the way and a leader without direction cannot lead. The ANC cannot take collective responsibility for a single person’s actions.”
Also read: KwaDukuza mayor announces plans to go green by 2030
Dr Luthuli said the country was in its economic phase of the struggle where changes in previously oppressed people’s lives needed to be seen.
“Without a stable economy and investor confidence, we cannot grow, we cannot fund education, nothing can be done. The ANC is a mature organisation with years of experience in leading the country. Other parties still have a lot to learn. Just because Zuma is no longer president does not mean he cannot offer his assistance and experience. Maybe he can write a book now.”
Meanwhile, the opposition DA has echoed the sentiments of their leader Mmusi Maimane in saying that parliament should be dissolved for new elections.
“What does Ricardo mean when he says he does not know the reason Zuma was asked to step down?” asked an incredulous DA Ilembe chief whip Malcolm Hubner.
“Did they not notice the corruption, the lies, the loss of trust in government? The problem was not just Zuma, but the ANC. They could have put a stop to all of this but instead, they let it continue and even pledged their support with excuse after excuse. Who were they supporting at the time? The people? They have shown their true colours and a few words from Cyril should not make people gullible.”
>> Be sure to prioritise the North Coast Courier and follow these steps to ensure you never miss a thing!
>> Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
