South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) will convene a three-day national executive committee meeting this Friday, facing the delicate task of deciding whether to sever ties with former president Jacob Zuma. This decision comes in the wake of his defection to the newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe party, potentially jeopardizing the ANC’s already precarious position in the upcoming elections.
Zuma’s public campaign for the opposition party, while claiming continued ANC membership, has stirred internal friction. “The issue of our former president is a painful one,” conceded Gwen Ramokgopa, the ANC’s treasurer general, acknowledging the need for thorough analysis and assessment before reaching a verdict.
Zuma’s turbulent nine-year presidency was marred by a series of scandals, culminating in his forced resignation in 2018 amidst dwindling support. A judicial inquiry subsequently exposed rampant corruption and institutional deterioration during his tenure, allegedly occurring with his tacit approval – an accusation Zuma vehemently denies.
Despite the controversies, Zuma retains significant popularity, particularly in his home province KwaZulu-Natal. A recent poll by the Social Research Foundation revealed that 28.9% of South Africans and a staggering 63.1% of KwaZulu-Natalians hold favorable views towards the former president.
This popularity poses a double threat to the ANC. KwaZulu-Natal is a crucial battleground in the upcoming elections, where the party already faces the risk of losing its majority. Alienating Zuma’s loyal base could further hamper their chances, while his influence within uMkhonto Wesizwe adds another potential challenger to the fray.
However, the ANC’s problems extend beyond Zuma’s defection. Public frustration with crippling power outages, logistical inefficiencies, and pervasive poverty and unemployment has already significantly tarnished the party’s image. As they prepare to unveil their election manifesto on February 24th, the ANC must not only navigate the Zuma conundrum but also demonstrate a plan to address the myriad challenges plaguing the nation.
Ramokgopa, appealing to party supporters, urged them to remember the ANC’s historical role in dismantling apartheid and ushering in democracy. While acknowledging the current difficulties, she pleaded for unity and perseverance as the party grapples with internal struggles and prepares for a critical electoral fight.
The coming days will be pivotal for the ANC. Their decision on Zuma and their ability to present a compelling roadmap for South Africa’s future will significantly impact their prospects in the upcoming elections and their role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
