African National Congress leader Ace Magashule has moved court on an urgent basis over his suspension from the ruling party of South Africa.

Magashule, who was removed as ANC's secretary-general,&nbsp;pleaded that&nbsp;the ANC 'step-aside rule&nbsp;or regime' and his suspension be declared “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid and null and void.”

He also declared that his decision to suspend South African President Cyril Ramaphosa from the party to be valid and effective until lawfully nullified.&nbsp;

Last week, ANC served Magashule with a letter of suspension after he failed to voluntarily step aside pending his court case.&nbsp;

Magashule is facing corruption and fraud charges related to a R250million asbestos eradication tender awarded in the Free State province during his time as the premier.&nbsp;

In his 128-page application, Magashule explained why the Ramaphosa faction wants him gone.&nbsp;

“The real motive behind my being purged is the desire to remove me, by hook or by crook, from the all-powerful position of SG, so that the road to the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his faction in the next National Conference is made easier. I may add that the fears that I would interfere with the democratic process are a misplaced sign of unnecessary panic,” Magashule wrote in his court papers.&nbsp;

The National Executive Committee,&nbsp;the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, at its latest meeting had resolved that Magashule should apologise publicly for writing the suspension letter to Ramaphosa, who is also the ANC president.&nbsp;

African National Congress leader Ace Magashule has moved court on an urgent basis over his suspension from the ruling party of South Africa. Magashule, who was removed as ANC's secretary-general, pleaded that the ANC 'step-aside rule or regime' and his suspension be declared “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid and null and void.

African National Congress leader Ace Magashule has moved court on an urgent basis over his suspension from the ruling party of South Africa. Magashule, who was removed as ANC's secretary-general, pleaded that the ANC 'step-aside rule or regime' and his suspension be declared “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid and null and void.” He also declared that his decision to suspend South African President Cyril Ramaphosa from the party to be valid and effective until lawfully nullified. Last week, ANC served Magashule with a letter of suspension after he failed to voluntarily step aside pending his court case. Magashule is facing corruption and fraud charges related to a R250million asbestos eradication tender awarded in the Free State province during his time as the premier. In his 128-page application, Magashule explained why the Ramaphosa faction wants him gone. “The real motive behind my being purged is the desire to remove me, by hook or by crook, from the all-powerful position of SG, so that the road to the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his faction in the next National Conference is made easier. I may add that the fears that I would interfere with the democratic process are a misplaced sign of unnecessary panic,” Magashule wrote in his court papers. The National Executive Committee, the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, at its latest meeting had resolved that Magashule should apologise publicly for writing the suspension letter to Ramaphosa, who is also the ANC president.

South Africa: Ace Magashule, suspended from African National Congress, takes ruling party to court

South African politics is taking an interesting turn. The current President Cyril Ramaphosa and the former President Jacob Zuma, exchange war of words through their respective statements.&nbsp;

Without naming any individuals, President Ramaphosa sent a strong-worded statement to persons undermining the constitution and accusing the judiciary.&nbsp;

In his weekly letter to the public on Monday, President raised concerns around individuals who show disdain for the country’s constitution and its judiciary.&nbsp;

“Of particular concern are recent utterances directed at the judiciary, in which some judges are accused, without any evidence, of pursuing interests other than the cause of justice. Judges have been accused of political agendas and some face even been accused of accepting bribes,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

This comes after former President Jacob Zuma refused to cooperate with the state capture inquiry and the Constitutional court's order. &nbsp;Last week, Zuma explained why he is sticking to his decision.

Zuma accused members of the judiciary of neglecting their duties and instead of entering the political arena, without offering evidence.

“I protest against those in the judiciary that have become an extension of political forces that seek to destroy and control our country. I seek no special treatment from the judiciary. I ask them to remain true only to their oath of office and their duty to treat everyone as equal before the law,” Zuma said.&nbsp;

He said the judiciary had stripped him off his constitutional rights and added that his protest was against some members of the judiciary who had sold their souls and departed from their oath of office.&nbsp;

He also accused the judiciary of hiding, what he claims appears to be the bribes paid by the incumbent President to win the ANC Presidency.&nbsp;

He said some judges have sealed those records to hide the truth.&nbsp;

The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has called in the Constitutional Court to sentence the former president to two years in prison for contempt of its ruling that he appear before the inquiry and answer questions.

All this comes at a time when the African National Congress (ANC) is already struggling to unify the party.&nbsp;

WION&nbsp;spoke to Dumisani Tembe, political analyst, who said that the current scenario in the ANC will definitely have an adverse effect on the party come to the local government elections around August-November.&nbsp;

“There are several issues that will adversely affect the ANC in the forthcoming local government elections. One is the challenge of poor service delivery at a government level. Second, of course is this ongoing internal party political squabbles and the third one is the endless accusations and allegations of corruption within the ruling party,” Tembe said.&nbsp;

ANC has been the ruling party of South Africa since post apartheid 1994. They have not lost a single election thus far but over the years the party has divided and has been marred with corruption allegations.

South African politics is taking an interesting turn. The current President Cyril Ramaphosa and the former President Jacob Zuma, exchange war of words through their respective statements.

South African politics is taking an interesting turn. The current President Cyril Ramaphosa and the former President Jacob Zuma, exchange war of words through their respective statements. Without naming any individuals, President Ramaphosa sent a strong-worded statement to persons undermining the constitution and accusing the judiciary. In his weekly letter to the public on Monday, President raised concerns around individuals who show disdain for the country’s constitution and its judiciary. “Of particular concern are recent utterances directed at the judiciary, in which some judges are accused, without any evidence, of pursuing interests other than the cause of justice. Judges have been accused of political agendas and some face even been accused of accepting bribes,” Ramaphosa said. This comes after former President Jacob Zuma refused to cooperate with the state capture inquiry and the Constitutional court's order. Last week, Zuma explained why he is sticking to his decision. Zuma accused members of the judiciary of neglecting their duties and instead of entering the political arena, without offering evidence. “I protest against those in the judiciary that have become an extension of political forces that seek to destroy and control our country. I seek no special treatment from the judiciary. I ask them to remain true only to their oath of office and their duty to treat everyone as equal before the law,” Zuma said. He said the judiciary had stripped him off his constitutional rights and added that his protest was against some members of the judiciary who had sold their souls and departed from their oath of office. He also accused the judiciary of hiding, what he claims appears to be the bribes paid by the incumbent President to win the ANC Presidency. He said some judges have sealed those records to hide the truth. The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has called in the Constitutional Court to sentence the former president to two years in prison for contempt of its ruling that he appear before the inquiry and answer questions. All this comes at a time when the African National Congress (ANC) is already struggling to unify the party. WION spoke to Dumisani Tembe, political analyst, who said that the current scenario in the ANC will definitely have an adverse effect on the party come to the local government elections around August-November. “There are several issues that will adversely affect the ANC in the forthcoming local government elections. One is the challenge of poor service delivery at a government level. Second, of course is this ongoing internal party political squabbles and the third one is the endless accusations and allegations of corruption within the ruling party,” Tembe said. ANC has been the ruling party of South Africa since post apartheid 1994. They have not lost a single election thus far but over the years the party has divided and has been marred with corruption allegations.

South Africa incumbent president and former President Zuma exchange war of words

The ex-mayor of South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg on Saturday launched his own party after last year quitting the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over its approach to racial inequality.

Herman Mashaba was elected in 2016, becoming the city's first mayor not from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since apartheid ended in 1994.

His new party, ActionSA has gained support of outspoken former ANC lawmakers including corruption whistle blower Vytjie Mentor.

His resignation from the DA was sparked by the election of the party's former leader Helen Zille as its federal council chairperson.

Zille had stoked controversy by arguing there were some positive aspects to colonialism.

Two days after Mashaba resigned, the DA's first black leader Mmusi Maimane, walked away from the party over what he described as coordinated attacks from sections of the traditionally white liberal party against affirmative action policies for the black majority population.

The DA has struggled to shed its image as a historically white party. Its share of the vote shrunk in national elections last year despite numerous scandals plaguing the ANC.

"Racism diminishes the equality and worth of a South African and sets back progress in our country," said Mashaba in an inaugural speech. "It has no place in this new party and it has no place in our country."

"We will no longer let the corrupt, the racist and the radical few speak on our behalf," said Mashaba.

The 61-year-old millionaire, who made his fortune in black hair products, was one of the most senior politicians in the pro-business DA.

In his speech, he also commented on foreign policy issues, chiding the government Cyril Ramaphosa for being soft with Zimbabwe.

"This crisis impacts our country deeply, and it is now time for a new approach," he said.&nbsp;

"It is time for hard diplomacy. We must adopt the strongest and harshest policies against an oppressive government, and not punish the people of Zimbabwe."&nbsp;

Zimbabwean authorities have in recent months arrested several opposition activists and government critics in what is widely seen as a campaign to crush dissent.

The ex-mayor of South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg on Saturday launched his own party after last year quitting the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over its approach to racial inequality.

The ex-mayor of South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg on Saturday launched his own party after last year quitting the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over its approach to racial inequality. Herman Mashaba was elected in 2016, becoming the city's first mayor not from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since apartheid ended in 1994. His new party, ActionSA has gained support of outspoken former ANC lawmakers including corruption whistle blower Vytjie Mentor. His resignation from the DA was sparked by the election of the party's former leader Helen Zille as its federal council chairperson. Zille had stoked controversy by arguing there were some positive aspects to colonialism. Two days after Mashaba resigned, the DA's first black leader Mmusi Maimane, walked away from the party over what he described as coordinated attacks from sections of the traditionally white liberal party against affirmative action policies for the black majority population. The DA has struggled to shed its image as a historically white party. Its share of the vote shrunk in national elections last year despite numerous scandals plaguing the ANC. "Racism diminishes the equality and worth of a South African and sets back progress in our country," said Mashaba in an inaugural speech. "It has no place in this new party and it has no place in our country." "We will no longer let the corrupt, the racist and the radical few speak on our behalf," said Mashaba. The 61-year-old millionaire, who made his fortune in black hair products, was one of the most senior politicians in the pro-business DA. In his speech, he also commented on foreign policy issues, chiding the government Cyril Ramaphosa for being soft with Zimbabwe. "This crisis impacts our country deeply, and it is now time for a new approach," he said. "It is time for hard diplomacy. We must adopt the strongest and harshest policies against an oppressive government, and not punish the people of Zimbabwe." Zimbabwean authorities have in recent months arrested several opposition activists and government critics in what is widely seen as a campaign to crush dissent.

South Africa's Johannesburg ex-mayor launches new party

Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office on Saturday as president of South Africa, facing a brew of expectations and scepticism after vowing to reform the country and revive its economy.

Foreign heads of state will be among 36,000 people expected to witness the ceremony at a rugby stadium in the capital Pretoria.

The 66-year-old leader was unanimously elected by parliament after his African National Congress (ANC) won legislative elections on May 8, winning 230 of the 400 seats.

The victory was earned with 57.5 per cent of the vote -- the party's lowest share of the ballot since it overturned apartheid 25 years ago.

Ramaphosa is a trade unionist who played a prominent part in the struggle to end white-minority rule before becoming a successful businessman.

His inauguration speech will be scrutinised for clues as to how he plans to tackle the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-the-five-labours-of-cyril-ramaphosa-221447"> country's many problems</a>.

They range from a sickly economy in which more than a quarter of the workforce is jobless to entrenched crime and corruption and land ownership that remains overwhelmingly in the hands of whites.

Many solutions will require him to inch his way across the high wire, balancing leftwing calls for radical change with demands by investors for caution.

In his acceptance speech to lawmakers on Wednesday, Ramaphosa vowed his government was all "about change, and you are going to see the change."

"We have been given this responsibility on an overriding basis to revive our economy, to create jobs, to not only bring hope to the masses of our people, to actualise that hope and make sure that indeed their aspirations are met."

Cabinet test

Ramaphosa's first test as he starts his new five-year term will be choosing a cabinet -- a task beset by rival factions within the ANC.&nbsp;

He is expected to name his new cabinet within days after his inauguration, but his choice of vice president hangs in the balance after his deputy David Mabuza said Wednesday he would defer taking his seat as a lawmaker.

An ANC integrity commission report has alleged Mabuza -- the party's No. 2 -- "prejudiced the integrity of the ANC and brought the organisation into disrepute".

Ramaphosa first took power last year when the ANC forced Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years in office, and vowed to root out corruption.

"The clean-up is ongoing, the cabinet will be broadly clean and meet some notional standard or threshold the market is looking for," predicted Peter Attard Montalto of the British-based advisory service Intellidex.

Stadium ceremony

Breaking with tradition Ramaphosa's swearing-in ceremony has been moved from the amphitheatre of the Union Buildings -- the seat of government, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the country's first black president in 1994.

All other leaders after Mandela have taken their oaths at the Union Buildings, whose grounds can accommodate only up to 4,500 people.

But this year the event has been moved to the 52,000-seater Loftus Versfeld rugby stadium, a move organisers said is more inclusive and will allow more people to witness the event.

More than 2,500 police are being deployed for security, while a battalion of soldiers will be inside the stadium to perform ceremonial parades.

The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has castigated the government for what it called "wasteful" expenditure of 120 million rand ($8.3 million) for the ceremony.

"It is no secret that the South African economy is in dire straits," said a senior DA lawmaker, John Steenhuisen.&nbsp;

Watch: South Africa President Ramaphosa celebrates election victory

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Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office on Saturday as president of South Africa, facing a brew of expectations and scepticism after vowing to reform the country and revive its economy.

Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office on Saturday as president of South Africa, facing a brew of expectations and scepticism after vowing to reform the country and revive its economy. Foreign heads of state will be among 36,000 people expected to witness the ceremony at a rugby stadium in the capital Pretoria. The 66-year-old leader was unanimously elected by parliament after his African National Congress (ANC) won legislative elections on May 8, winning 230 of the 400 seats. The victory was earned with 57.5 per cent of the vote -- the party's lowest share of the ballot since it overturned apartheid 25 years ago. Ramaphosa is a trade unionist who played a prominent part in the struggle to end white-minority rule before becoming a successful businessman. His inauguration speech will be scrutinised for clues as to how he plans to tackle the country's many problems. They range from a sickly economy in which more than a quarter of the workforce is jobless to entrenched crime and corruption and land ownership that remains overwhelmingly in the hands of whites. Many solutions will require him to inch his way across the high wire, balancing leftwing calls for radical change with demands by investors for caution. In his acceptance speech to lawmakers on Wednesday, Ramaphosa vowed his government was all "about change, and you are going to see the change." "We have been given this responsibility on an overriding basis to revive our economy, to create jobs, to not only bring hope to the masses of our people, to actualise that hope and make sure that indeed their aspirations are met." Cabinet test Ramaphosa's first test as he starts his new five-year term will be choosing a cabinet -- a task beset by rival factions within the ANC. He is expected to name his new cabinet within days after his inauguration, but his choice of vice president hangs in the balance after his deputy David Mabuza said Wednesday he would defer taking his seat as a lawmaker. An ANC integrity commission report has alleged Mabuza -- the party's No. 2 -- "prejudiced the integrity of the ANC and brought the organisation into disrepute". Ramaphosa first took power last year when the ANC forced Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years in office, and vowed to root out corruption. "The clean-up is ongoing, the cabinet will be broadly clean and meet some notional standard or threshold the market is looking for," predicted Peter Attard Montalto of the British-based advisory service Intellidex. Stadium ceremony Breaking with tradition Ramaphosa's swearing-in ceremony has been moved from the amphitheatre of the Union Buildings -- the seat of government, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the country's first black president in 1994. All other leaders after Mandela have taken their oaths at the Union Buildings, whose grounds can accommodate only up to 4,500 people. But this year the event has been moved to the 52,000-seater Loftus Versfeld rugby stadium, a move organisers said is more inclusive and will allow more people to witness the event. More than 2,500 police are being deployed for security, while a battalion of soldiers will be inside the stadium to perform ceremonial parades. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has castigated the government for what it called "wasteful" expenditure of 120 million rand ($8.3 million) for the ceremony. "It is no secret that the South African economy is in dire straits," said a senior DA lawmaker, John Steenhuisen. Watch: South Africa President Ramaphosa celebrates election victory ×

Cyril Ramaphosa to be sworn in as president of South Africa today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-challenges-opposition-to-prove-if-he-amassed-assets-kept-money-in-foreign-bank-218697">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyril-ramaphosas-anc-win-closely-watched-south-africa-poll-with-absolute-majority-217627">South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on being&nbsp;re-elected</a>, and also said that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow deeper and stronger.

"Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President @CyrilRamaphosa on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger," Modi tweeted.

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Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1128239437836455937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election last week with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts.

The African National Congress (ANC) held a comfortable lead with 57.73 per cent after 95 per cent of voting districts were officially tallied following Wednesday's vote.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-election-ramaphosa-celebrates-election-victory-218237/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Ramaphosa, 66, took over last year when the ANC forced then-president Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic decline.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on being re-elected, and also said that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow deeper and stronger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on being re-elected, and also said that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow deeper and stronger. "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President @CyrilRamaphosa on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger," Modi tweeted. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President @CyrilRamaphosa on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 14, 2019 × Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election last week with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts. The African National Congress (ANC) held a comfortable lead with 57.73 per cent after 95 per cent of voting districts were officially tallied following Wednesday's vote. President Ramaphosa, 66, took over last year when the ANC forced then-president Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic decline.

PM Modi congratulates South African President Ramaphosa on being re-elected

Hundreds of supporters of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) attended celebrations in the streets of Johannesburg on Sunday after the party's victory in the national elections.

South Africa Election: Ramaphosa celebrates election victory

Boosting South African growth and overhauling bloated power firm Eskom are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-anc-celebrates-election-win-with-street-party-218233">post-election priorities for the African National Congress</a>, but a reduced majority may force <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyril-ramaphosas-anc-win-closely-watched-south-africa-poll-with-absolute-majority-217627">President Cyril Ramaphosa</a> to compromise on those and other economic reforms.

Ramaphosa took office in February 2018 with a pledge to revive a sclerotic economy and attract foreign investors.

But as he prepares for his first full five-year term after the ANC last week saw its share of the national election vote fall below 60% for the first time, the country's structural problems remain acute.

The rand hit a more than two-week high on Friday when the ANC's parliamentary majority became unassailable, but on Monday the currency retreated and government bond yields rose as outside factors - notably the impact on emerging markets of the US-China trade war - gave investors pause.

"It now all hinges on (Ramaphosa) quickly presenting a political agenda and initiating the urgently required reforms once he has formed a government," Commerzbank analysts Ulrich Leuchtmann and Elisabeth Andreae wrote in a note on Monday.

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"...The country's problems are complex and the new government is facing a Herculean task."

As well as speeding up reforms of Eskom and other state-owned entities, Ramaphosa's long to-do list following his inauguration on May 25 will include generating jobs, acting against entrenched corruption in and outside the ANC and resolving policy uncertainty in the mining sector.

On Sunday, he promised a new approach.

"We are going to do things differently, we are going to do things effectively. We are going to make sure we inject growth ... we are going to invite investors," he told ANC supporters at a celebration rally.

Bloated cabinet

But facing party rivals who oppose his reforms, Ramaphosa has struggled to do exactly that since he succeeded scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma last year.

An early barometer of his ability to push through change more efficiently this time will be whether he manages to trim a cabinet comprising more than 30 ministers and deputies, analysts said.

His sympathisers in the ANC are hopeful.

"The cabinet is bloated, and that is not correct when we live in the harshest conditions in the economy. We will cut down the size of the cabinet, that will definitely happen," Fikile Mbalula, a member of the ANC executive, said on Friday.

The economy grew an estimated 0.8 per cent in 2018 after recovering from recession. Growth is forecast at 1.5 per cent this year, and one factor in hitting that target will be how the government manages Eskom's restructuring.

The utility faces generation capacity constraints and South Africa has been plagued by power cuts in the past year, undermining broader efforts to kick-start growth.

Also battling to preserve Pretoria's last investment-grade credit rating, Ramaphosa has pledged to restructure Eskom with a 23 billion rand ($1.62 billion) a year bailout over the next three years.

"Reforming Eskom will definitely gain momentum. That is something which government is serious about," Enoch Godongwana, head of the ANC's economic transformation sub-committee, said on Friday.

Eskom is one of the firms caught up in what has been termed "state capture" - widespread corruption involving billions of rand in government contracts.

Standard Chartered chief Africa economist Razia Khan said holding accountable those implicated in state graft was one of the most pressing issues for Ramaphosa.

"Although not an economic policy issue, action on state capture might provide the much-needed lift to investor and consumer confidence," she said.

Outside influences

Foreign investor interest in South Africa has waned since Ramaphosa took office, with non-domestic ownership of government bonds dipping to 39% at end-April 2019 from a peak of nearly 43% in March 2018.

Godongwana said the ANC was putting "confidence-building measures" in place, but warned against setting expectations too high.

"Economic growth is not something that you can declare. There are lots of puzzles. There is the global aspect which you don't have control over and investment decisions by third parties," he said.

But as well as luring back foreign investors, Ramaphosa will also need to strike a balance between stimulating the economy and quelling simmering discontent, notably via land reform, among the black majority over lingering wealth disparities.

The latter has arguably become more acute with the strong election showing of the far-left EFF party, which champions the rights of landless blacks. It won 44 seats and saw its share of the vote rise to 10.8%.

"High inequality and the rise of the EFF could prepare the ground for more populist economic policies," said rating agency Fitch said.

It acknowledged tensions between the government objectives of addressing inequality and accelerating GDP, but said it expected no significant negative impact from this on growth or budget metrics.

Sergey Dergachev, a senior portfolio manager at Germany-based Union Investment, meanwhile remains "underweight" South Africa.

"The underlying structural problems are still tough to tackle," he said. "...Even with a new mandate, it'll be very difficult to get South Africa back on a growth trend again."

Boosting South African growth and overhauling bloated power firm Eskom are post-election priorities for the African National Congress, but a reduced majority may force President Cyril Ramaphosa to compromise on those and other economic reforms.

Boosting South African growth and overhauling bloated power firm Eskom are post-election priorities for the African National Congress, but a reduced majority may force President Cyril Ramaphosa to compromise on those and other economic reforms. Ramaphosa took office in February 2018 with a pledge to revive a sclerotic economy and attract foreign investors. But as he prepares for his first full five-year term after the ANC last week saw its share of the national election vote fall below 60% for the first time, the country's structural problems remain acute. The rand hit a more than two-week high on Friday when the ANC's parliamentary majority became unassailable, but on Monday the currency retreated and government bond yields rose as outside factors - notably the impact on emerging markets of the US-China trade war - gave investors pause. "It now all hinges on (Ramaphosa) quickly presenting a political agenda and initiating the urgently required reforms once he has formed a government," Commerzbank analysts Ulrich Leuchtmann and Elisabeth Andreae wrote in a note on Monday. "...The country's problems are complex and the new government is facing a Herculean task." As well as speeding up reforms of Eskom and other state-owned entities, Ramaphosa's long to-do list following his inauguration on May 25 will include generating jobs, acting against entrenched corruption in and outside the ANC and resolving policy uncertainty in the mining sector. On Sunday, he promised a new approach. "We are going to do things differently, we are going to do things effectively. We are going to make sure we inject growth ... we are going to invite investors," he told ANC supporters at a celebration rally. Bloated cabinet But facing party rivals who oppose his reforms, Ramaphosa has struggled to do exactly that since he succeeded scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma last year. An early barometer of his ability to push through change more efficiently this time will be whether he manages to trim a cabinet comprising more than 30 ministers and deputies, analysts said. His sympathisers in the ANC are hopeful. "The cabinet is bloated, and that is not correct when we live in the harshest conditions in the economy. We will cut down the size of the cabinet, that will definitely happen," Fikile Mbalula, a member of the ANC executive, said on Friday. The economy grew an estimated 0.8 per cent in 2018 after recovering from recession. Growth is forecast at 1.5 per cent this year, and one factor in hitting that target will be how the government manages Eskom's restructuring. The utility faces generation capacity constraints and South Africa has been plagued by power cuts in the past year, undermining broader efforts to kick-start growth. Also battling to preserve Pretoria's last investment-grade credit rating, Ramaphosa has pledged to restructure Eskom with a 23 billion rand ($1.62 billion) a year bailout over the next three years. "Reforming Eskom will definitely gain momentum. That is something which government is serious about," Enoch Godongwana, head of the ANC's economic transformation sub-committee, said on Friday. Eskom is one of the firms caught up in what has been termed "state capture" - widespread corruption involving billions of rand in government contracts. Standard Chartered chief Africa economist Razia Khan said holding accountable those implicated in state graft was one of the most pressing issues for Ramaphosa. "Although not an economic policy issue, action on state capture might provide the much-needed lift to investor and consumer confidence," she said. Outside influences Foreign investor interest in South Africa has waned since Ramaphosa took office, with non-domestic ownership of government bonds dipping to 39% at end-April 2019 from a peak of nearly 43% in March 2018. Godongwana said the ANC was putting "confidence-building measures" in place, but warned against setting expectations too high. "Economic growth is not something that you can declare. There are lots of puzzles. There is the global aspect which you don't have control over and investment decisions by third parties," he said. But as well as luring back foreign investors, Ramaphosa will also need to strike a balance between stimulating the economy and quelling simmering discontent, notably via land reform, among the black majority over lingering wealth disparities. The latter has arguably become more acute with the strong election showing of the far-left EFF party, which champions the rights of landless blacks. It won 44 seats and saw its share of the vote rise to 10.8%. "High inequality and the rise of the EFF could prepare the ground for more populist economic policies," said rating agency Fitch said. It acknowledged tensions between the government objectives of addressing inequality and accelerating GDP, but said it expected no significant negative impact from this on growth or budget metrics. Sergey Dergachev, a senior portfolio manager at Germany-based Union Investment, meanwhile remains "underweight" South Africa. "The underlying structural problems are still tough to tackle," he said. "...Even with a new mandate, it'll be very difficult to get South Africa back on a growth trend again."

South Africa: Ramaphosa's economic reforms in focus as ANC adjusts to smaller majority

ANC remains in power with 57.5 percent of the vote, but the outcome is its worst-ever showing at the polls. Watch the full video to know more.

South Africa's ANC wins re-election with reduced majority

South African elections officials counted ballot papers in the early hours of Thursday, a day after a vote seen as the toughest test yet for the African National Congress (ANC) party <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-struggling-25-years-after-apartheid-216887">25 years after it swept to power</a> at the end of white minority rule.

The elections for a new parliament and nine provincial legislatures are the first barometer of national sentiment since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-elections-corruption-jobs-top-issues-as-cyril-ramaphosas-anc-faces-tough-battle-216078">President Cyril Ramaphosa </a>replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma as head of state in February 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-party-leaders-battle-it-out-in-south-africa-election-216891">Three party leaders battle it out in South Africa election</a>

Ramaphosa is trying to arrest a slide in support for the ANC, which has won every parliamentary vote since the end of apartheid in 1994 but whose image has been tarnished by corruption scandals and a weak economy in the past decade.

Opinion polls suggest the ANC will again win a majority of the parliament`s 400 seats, but analysts say its margin of victory may fall amid frustration with slow progress addressing racial disparities in income and wealth.

Most polling stations closed around 1900 GMT on Wednesday.

Results from some stations will start to trickle in on Thursday morning, but a final tally could only be ready by Saturday.

Elections officials said voting had in general progressed smoothly but that there had been isolated incidents where bad weather, power outages or community protests had caused disruptions. The electoral commission said it was investigating two potential instances of double-voting.

"The Electoral Commission will not allow the potential misconduct of one or two individuals to taint the overall outcome of these elections," the commission said in a statement.

The ANC`s biggest challengers at the elections are the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The ANC won 62 per cent of the vote at the last parliamentary election in 2014, far short of its best result, 69 per cent in 2004 under President Thabo Mbeki. 
It currently controls eight of the country`s nine provinces, with the DA in power in the Western Cape.

Ramaphosa, who became ANC leader in December 2017 after narrowly defeating a faction allied with Zuma, has promised to improve poor public services, create jobs and fight corruption.

South African elections officials counted ballot papers in the early hours of Thursday, a day after a vote seen as the toughest test yet for the African National Congress (ANC) party 25 years after it swept to power at the end of white minority rule.

South African elections officials counted ballot papers in the early hours of Thursday, a day after a vote seen as the toughest test yet for the African National Congress (ANC) party 25 years after it swept to power at the end of white minority rule. The elections for a new parliament and nine provincial legislatures are the first barometer of national sentiment since President Cyril Ramaphosa replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma as head of state in February 2018. Also read: Three party leaders battle it out in South Africa election Ramaphosa is trying to arrest a slide in support for the ANC, which has won every parliamentary vote since the end of apartheid in 1994 but whose image has been tarnished by corruption scandals and a weak economy in the past decade. Opinion polls suggest the ANC will again win a majority of the parliament`s 400 seats, but analysts say its margin of victory may fall amid frustration with slow progress addressing racial disparities in income and wealth. Most polling stations closed around 1900 GMT on Wednesday. Results from some stations will start to trickle in on Thursday morning, but a final tally could only be ready by Saturday. Elections officials said voting had in general progressed smoothly but that there had been isolated incidents where bad weather, power outages or community protests had caused disruptions. The electoral commission said it was investigating two potential instances of double-voting. "The Electoral Commission will not allow the potential misconduct of one or two individuals to taint the overall outcome of these elections," the commission said in a statement. The ANC`s biggest challengers at the elections are the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The ANC won 62 per cent of the vote at the last parliamentary election in 2014, far short of its best result, 69 per cent in 2004 under President Thabo Mbeki. It currently controls eight of the country`s nine provinces, with the DA in power in the Western Cape. Ramaphosa, who became ANC leader in December 2017 after narrowly defeating a faction allied with Zuma, has promised to improve poor public services, create jobs and fight corruption.

South Africa counts votes as Ramaphosa's ANC looks to retain power

South Africa is due to hold parliamentary and provincial elections on Wednesday, amid frustration with a lack of progress 25 years after Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) swept to power at the end of white minority rule.

South Africa to vote on May 8, know key issues in S. Africa’s May 8 election

South Africa goes to polls this week in what will be the sixth elections in the country since the end of apartheid in 1994. The elections, due on May 8 is expected to be a referendum on the ruling African National Congress (ANC) that has been in power since 1994 but now faces infighting and division.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who took over from Jacob Zuma last year is facing a tough battle. Corruption, jobs remain a key issue for South Africans in major cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban.

At the Univesity of Pretoria, WION spoke to a few students, who were divided if Cyril will make a comeback.

One student said, "I will say he has good chances of winning. The problem is he has promised us as South Africans that he will tackle corruption in ANC. Which, hasn't been done, or it has not been done in a way that the general public can notice.''

Another female student retorted, "But then Ramaphosa promised things and he delivered. Example, the rand (African currency) has not been fluctuating as much and compared to the dollar it has been stronger. Our foreign relations have grown in such a way to get investors."

Corruption remains a huge issue, especially under former president Zuma, who was mired in corruption allegations. Other contenders in the elections are Mmusi Maimane's Democratic Alliance (South Africa) and the far-left political party Economic Freedom Fighters EFF which can disturb the calculus.&nbsp;

One student said, "EFF is thriving since it cares about a post-apartheid generation."

Nelson Mandela's legacy continues to play a role. This year South Africa marks 25 years since the end of apartheid. Country's founding father Nelson Mandela's legacy continues to play an important part of political life especially the young democracy.&nbsp;

"He played an important role in the history of South Africa, especially since he was on the forefront of the struggle. He oversaw a peaceful transition. It is important to vote as black people since we didn't have that privileged earlier", said a lady in Johannesburg.&nbsp;

Asked about the Rainbow nation, Mandela dreamed off, a young South African working in a hotel said, "We see nothing. It's next to impossible right now, it's hard to see, South Africa will ever be the rainbow nation we hoped for, it is very difficult right now."

Brand South Africa, working under's Minister of Communications and Telecommunications, and who focuses on the country's image, believes democracy is the country's USP in a continent where democracy is a rare commodity.

Judy Smith-Höhn, General Manager, Brand South Africa, told WION in Johannesburg, "25 years is a great achievement...Something, we are proud of. As you know, Democracy is not a smooth ride. It allows everyone's voices to be heard and there will be issues of contention. As long as we allowed it to be discussed, then we are on a good path."

And as with every election anywhere, fake news is a major problem. Especially after the xenophobic riots in Durban in March. The rioters had attributed to President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech at ANC's election manifesto contributing to xenophobic felling. Rampaphosa had called for a tougher line on undocumented foreigners.

"We must remain vigilant. One needs to build digital capacity in future. Digital capacity to monitor. We had cases, suddenly on Friday a news story breaks, and everyone jumps into arms. Then you find the source of it, then you drill it, you say hang on. It is taking more time, more resources", &nbsp;Petrus de Kock; General Manager for Research; Brand South Africa, replied to WION when asked how the country is tackling fake news.

The country is excited about the elections. Airwaves are already celebrating and giving the wall to wall coverage of the election. While Mandela is the towering figure, his legacy of the rainbow country is something that unites South Africa and will continue to do so in generations to come.

South Africa goes to polls this week in what will be the sixth elections in the country since the end of apartheid in 1994. The elections, due on May 8 is expected to be a referendum on the ruling African National Congress (ANC) that has been in power since 1994 but now faces infighting and division.

South Africa goes to polls this week in what will be the sixth elections in the country since the end of apartheid in 1994. The elections, due on May 8 is expected to be a referendum on the ruling African National Congress (ANC) that has been in power since 1994 but now faces infighting and division. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who took over from Jacob Zuma last year is facing a tough battle. Corruption, jobs remain a key issue for South Africans in major cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban. At the Univesity of Pretoria, WION spoke to a few students, who were divided if Cyril will make a comeback. One student said, "I will say he has good chances of winning. The problem is he has promised us as South Africans that he will tackle corruption in ANC. Which, hasn't been done, or it has not been done in a way that the general public can notice.'' Another female student retorted, "But then Ramaphosa promised things and he delivered. Example, the rand (African currency) has not been fluctuating as much and compared to the dollar it has been stronger. Our foreign relations have grown in such a way to get investors." Corruption remains a huge issue, especially under former president Zuma, who was mired in corruption allegations. Other contenders in the elections are Mmusi Maimane's Democratic Alliance (South Africa) and the far-left political party Economic Freedom Fighters EFF which can disturb the calculus. One student said, "EFF is thriving since it cares about a post-apartheid generation." Nelson Mandela's legacy continues to play a role. This year South Africa marks 25 years since the end of apartheid. Country's founding father Nelson Mandela's legacy continues to play an important part of political life especially the young democracy. "He played an important role in the history of South Africa, especially since he was on the forefront of the struggle. He oversaw a peaceful transition. It is important to vote as black people since we didn't have that privileged earlier", said a lady in Johannesburg. Asked about the Rainbow nation, Mandela dreamed off, a young South African working in a hotel said, "We see nothing. It's next to impossible right now, it's hard to see, South Africa will ever be the rainbow nation we hoped for, it is very difficult right now." Brand South Africa, working under's Minister of Communications and Telecommunications, and who focuses on the country's image, believes democracy is the country's USP in a continent where democracy is a rare commodity. Judy Smith-Höhn, General Manager, Brand South Africa, told WION in Johannesburg, "25 years is a great achievement...Something, we are proud of. As you know, Democracy is not a smooth ride. It allows everyone's voices to be heard and there will be issues of contention. As long as we allowed it to be discussed, then we are on a good path." And as with every election anywhere, fake news is a major problem. Especially after the xenophobic riots in Durban in March. The rioters had attributed to President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech at ANC's election manifesto contributing to xenophobic felling. Rampaphosa had called for a tougher line on undocumented foreigners. "We must remain vigilant. One needs to build digital capacity in future. Digital capacity to monitor. We had cases, suddenly on Friday a news story breaks, and everyone jumps into arms. Then you find the source of it, then you drill it, you say hang on. It is taking more time, more resources", Petrus de Kock; General Manager for Research; Brand South Africa, replied to WION when asked how the country is tackling fake news. The country is excited about the elections. Airwaves are already celebrating and giving the wall to wall coverage of the election. While Mandela is the towering figure, his legacy of the rainbow country is something that unites South Africa and will continue to do so in generations to come.

South Africa Elections: Corruption, jobs top issues as Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC faces tough battle

A quarter of a century after the end of the apartheid in South Africa, large swathes of population still aren't free given abject poverty and high unemployment and the scourge of corruption affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

Speaking at a ceremony in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, in the south of the country, Ramaphosa said that South Africans were "gathered here to celebrate the day we won our freedom."

The first democratic elections were held in South Africa on April 27, 1994, with blacks -- who make up three-quarters of the population -- voting for the first time, bringing to an end three centuries of white rule and the apartheid regime in place since 1948.&nbsp;

"We remember the moment we placed a cross on a ballot paper for the first time in our lives," the president said, paying homage to Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid campaigner who was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994.

Nevertheless, "we cannot be a nation of free people when so many still live in poverty," Ramaphosa said.

"We cannot be a nation of free people when so many live without enough food, without proper shelter, without access to quality health care, without a means to earn a living," he continued.

"We cannot be a nation of free people when funds meant for the poor are wasted, lost or stolen (...) when there is still corruption within our own country."

Ramaphosa is head of the African National Congress (ANC), the party that has been in power since the end of apartheid.

He took over as president in 2018 from Jacob Zuma, who was forced to resign as a result of a number of corruption scandals.

"As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, we need to focus all our attention and efforts on ensuring that all South Africans can equally experience the economic and social benefits of freedom," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

Despite the emergence of a middle class in South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, 20 per cent of black households still live in dire poverty, compared with only 2.9 per cent of white households, according to the Institute of Race Relations.&nbsp;

The unemployment rate in South Africa currently stands at 27 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in 1994.&nbsp;

A quarter of a century after the end of the apartheid in South Africa, large swathes of population still aren't free given abject poverty and high unemployment and the scourge of corruption affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

A quarter of a century after the end of the apartheid in South Africa, large swathes of population still aren't free given abject poverty and high unemployment and the scourge of corruption affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday. Speaking at a ceremony in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, in the south of the country, Ramaphosa said that South Africans were "gathered here to celebrate the day we won our freedom." The first democratic elections were held in South Africa on April 27, 1994, with blacks -- who make up three-quarters of the population -- voting for the first time, bringing to an end three centuries of white rule and the apartheid regime in place since 1948. "We remember the moment we placed a cross on a ballot paper for the first time in our lives," the president said, paying homage to Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid campaigner who was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994. Nevertheless, "we cannot be a nation of free people when so many still live in poverty," Ramaphosa said. "We cannot be a nation of free people when so many live without enough food, without proper shelter, without access to quality health care, without a means to earn a living," he continued. "We cannot be a nation of free people when funds meant for the poor are wasted, lost or stolen (...) when there is still corruption within our own country." Ramaphosa is head of the African National Congress (ANC), the party that has been in power since the end of apartheid. He took over as president in 2018 from Jacob Zuma, who was forced to resign as a result of a number of corruption scandals. "As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, we need to focus all our attention and efforts on ensuring that all South Africans can equally experience the economic and social benefits of freedom," Ramaphosa said. Despite the emergence of a middle class in South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, 20 per cent of black households still live in dire poverty, compared with only 2.9 per cent of white households, according to the Institute of Race Relations. The unemployment rate in South Africa currently stands at 27 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in 1994.

25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President

South Africa's president announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus programme on Friday, earmarking funds for job creation and infrastructure development as he seeks to make good on a pledge to revive the country's ailing economy.

Speaking a day after the central bank disappointed some in his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party by not cutting interest rates, Cyril Ramaphosa said the government needed to put the funds at its disposal to better use.

"We have to resort to reprioritising our budget," Ramaphosa told reporters in Pretoria, adding that there was no room to increase spending or borrowing.

He said 50 billion rand ($3.5 billion) of "reprioritised expenditure and new project-level funding" would be used to boost economic growth and create jobs, and the government would also launch a 400 billion rand "medium-term" infrastructure fund.

"The central element of the economic stimulus and recovery plan is the reprioritisation of spending towards activities that have the greatest economic effect," he said.

When he took over in February from Jacob Zuma, whose term of office was plagued by scandal, Ramaphosa staked his reputation on economic revival and he received a warm welcome from investors in part due to his strong ties to the business community.

But having stagnated for a decade, Africa's most industrialised economy slipped further in the second quarter by entering recession for the first time since 2009, while the rand has weakened.

The local currency briefly extended gains after Ramaphosa's speech before slipping back to trade 0.31 per cent firmer against the dollar.

SLOW GROWTH, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT

Ramaphosa said the infrastructure fund would attract finances from development institutions and banks, private lenders and private sector and ordinary investors.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene told the same event that the 50 billion rand fund would come from under-performing government programmes. He gave no detail and it was also not clear how much of the money would be new funding and how much would be shifted from other projects.

South Africa needs faster economic growth to reduce its 27 per cent unemployment rate and alleviate poverty and inequality, which are stoking instability ahead of national elections next year.

But the central bank on Thursday also cut its gross domestic product forecast for 2018 and said there was little leeway in monetary policy to boost the economy beyond the new growth figure while the outlook for inflation had deteriorated.

Land and mining ownership reforms set in motion by Ramaphosa have also unnerved investors, and after an initial rally following his election as ANC leader in December and state president in February, business confidence has wavered.

Ramaphosa said the country's economy would be put on a firmer footing by the measures he announced on Friday.

"Our economic challenges are huge and our difficulties are severe and in the end will take extraordinary effort and they will also take some time," he said. "For several years our economy has not grown at the space we needed to create enough jobs."

South Africa's president announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus programme on Friday, earmarking funds for job creation and infrastructure development as he seeks to make good on a pledge to revive the country's ailing economy.

South Africa's president announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus programme on Friday, earmarking funds for job creation and infrastructure development as he seeks to make good on a pledge to revive the country's ailing economy. Speaking a day after the central bank disappointed some in his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party by not cutting interest rates, Cyril Ramaphosa said the government needed to put the funds at its disposal to better use. "We have to resort to reprioritising our budget," Ramaphosa told reporters in Pretoria, adding that there was no room to increase spending or borrowing. He said 50 billion rand ($3.5 billion) of "reprioritised expenditure and new project-level funding" would be used to boost economic growth and create jobs, and the government would also launch a 400 billion rand "medium-term" infrastructure fund. "The central element of the economic stimulus and recovery plan is the reprioritisation of spending towards activities that have the greatest economic effect," he said. When he took over in February from Jacob Zuma, whose term of office was plagued by scandal, Ramaphosa staked his reputation on economic revival and he received a warm welcome from investors in part due to his strong ties to the business community. But having stagnated for a decade, Africa's most industrialised economy slipped further in the second quarter by entering recession for the first time since 2009, while the rand has weakened. The local currency briefly extended gains after Ramaphosa's speech before slipping back to trade 0.31 per cent firmer against the dollar. SLOW GROWTH, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT Ramaphosa said the infrastructure fund would attract finances from development institutions and banks, private lenders and private sector and ordinary investors. Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene told the same event that the 50 billion rand fund would come from under-performing government programmes. He gave no detail and it was also not clear how much of the money would be new funding and how much would be shifted from other projects. South Africa needs faster economic growth to reduce its 27 per cent unemployment rate and alleviate poverty and inequality, which are stoking instability ahead of national elections next year. But the central bank on Thursday also cut its gross domestic product forecast for 2018 and said there was little leeway in monetary policy to boost the economy beyond the new growth figure while the outlook for inflation had deteriorated. Land and mining ownership reforms set in motion by Ramaphosa have also unnerved investors, and after an initial rally following his election as ANC leader in December and state president in February, business confidence has wavered. Ramaphosa said the country's economy would be put on a firmer footing by the measures he announced on Friday. "Our economic challenges are huge and our difficulties are severe and in the end will take extraordinary effort and they will also take some time," he said. "For several years our economy has not grown at the space we needed to create enough jobs."

South Africa's Ramaphosa outlines stimulus plan for ailing economy

By James Hamill*

The latest instalment in South Africa&rsquo;s longest running political soap opera played out dramatically on 16 March when Shaun Abrahams, the head of South Africa&rsquo;s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), announced that 16 criminal charges against former president Jacob Zuma must stand and be tested in court.

The charges relate to 783 counts of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering. The charges were controversially dropped in 2009 but reinstated by the country&rsquo;s High Court in 2016. The Supreme Court of Appeal went on to uphold this judgment in 2017.

This is merely one instalment in a drama that may still have some years to run. It can be traced back to the sleaze and kickbacks surrounding the arms procurement package of the late 1990s. The allegations were that Zuma was a beneficiary of largesse from certain arms companies in exchange for exerting his influence on their behalf.

The Abrahams decision &ndash; made despite opposition fears that, as a Zuma appointee, he might flinch from the challenge - is of enormous significance. A former president is now likely to find himself in the dock at a criminal trial, an unprecedented event in South African history. 
A different political atmosphere

Looking beyond the groundbreaking historical nature of the decision and its implications for Zuma personally, it seems unlikely that Abrahams&rsquo; decision will generate the same passions as the issue did in the 2007-2009 period. At that point Zuma&rsquo;s standing in the ANC alliance was at an all time high and attempts to prosecute him for corruption were viewed as part of a wider &lsquo;dirty tricks&rsquo; campaign to sabotage his rise to the presidencies of both party and state. This included the Thabo Mbeki camp inside the ANC and others outside the party.

His 2006 rape trial had been viewed in similar terms by his staunchest backers such as then ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, who subsequently, and rather shamelessly, would reinvent himself as Zuma&rsquo;s chief critic.

Pro-Zuma sentiment was particularly strong on the left of the ANC-led alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party uncritically and unconditionally buying into the mythology around Zuma . They viewed his presidency as an opportunity to engineer a leftwards shift in South Africa&rsquo;s general political direction after the supposed &lsquo;neo-liberalism&rsquo; of the Mbeki years.

Now, in 2018, the left is older and wiser. In the aftermath of a scandal ridden presidency disfigured by endemic corruption and allegations of state capture by private interests close to Zuma, the trade union federation and the Communist Party are more likely to support his prosecution than contest it.

Equally, the broader politics of the issue are now less highly charged. In 2009, Zuma was the president-in-waiting. There was limited enthusiasm, even among his many critics in the movement, to see a South African president inaugurated who faced the realistic prospect of a criminal trial in the foreseeable future. It was felt this would provide a fatal distraction from the responsibilities of government.

As it turned out, he was fatally distracted from those responsibilities anyway by a succession of new scandals which arrived with alarming frequency to paralyse his presidency. These included Nkandla (2013/2014), Nenegate (December 2015), the sacking of Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan (March 2017), and the various state capture reports of 2016/17.

While prosecutors technically make their decisions on narrow legal grounds, one should not assume they are entirely insulated from broader political and societal pressures in their decision making. Now, however, Zuma is merely a former president and an ANC member. Consequently, the protective shield previously extended by the governing party will not be there. And, given the other scandals mentioned above and with a new leader in place, he may only be able to draw on very modest support from within the ANC&rsquo;s ranks. 
The double-edged sword

Zuma&rsquo;s proposed prosecution is a welcome reaffirmation of the principle that all are equal before the law. But a trial carries with it very real dangers for the ANC.

First, it will serve to remind a wider South African audience that Zuma did not emerge in a vacuum. He is a product of the ANC. The party elected him twice as its president and, before recalling him in February 2017, rallied round him during the Nkandla saga and in numerous parliamentary votes of no-confidence. Its own National Executive Committee also rejected demands for his recall on several occasions. It will be difficult if not impossible for the ANC to avoid some collateral damage as it was unquestionably the chief facilitator and enabler of that discredited era.

Second, there is always the risk that a trial will see the movement&rsquo;s dirty laundry being aired in public by Zuma. This will be particularly true if he believes his fate is sealed, taking the opportunity for a wider settling of scores with others in the ANC. The trial could then become an endurance test for the ANC and a propaganda windfall for its opponents reminding South Africans in graphic detail of the looting and embezzlement over which the movement has presided.

Ramaphosa will hope that Zuma&rsquo;s lawyers revisit their earlier so-called &lsquo;Stalingrad strategy&rsquo; of delays and prevarication so that when it finally commences it does so after &ndash; and not before &ndash; the 2019 election. On past evidence there are likely to be numerous attempts by his lawyers to actually prevent the case from ever coming to court.

For the trial to take place in the run up to, and during that election campaign, would be extremely unwelcome for the new leadership. It will blunt the Ramaphosa message that he is &lsquo;purifying&rsquo; the movement, restoring its traditional values, and seeking closure on a discredited era.

Moreover, even in the aftermath of an election, the issue will return to the top of Ramaphosa&rsquo;s agenda if Zuma is eventually found guilty. The question of granting or not granting him a pardon will then arise. This will test the credentials of a leader supposedly making a definitive break with a sordid past.

It is also possible that further charges could be brought against Zuma once the whole state capture phenomenon is laid bare by an official commission of inquiry headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. The state capture saga makes the existing charges against Zuma look insubstantial by comparison.

Zuma&rsquo;s presidency may be over, but his toxic legacy seems likely to haunt the ANC &ndash; and through it South Africa - for some considerable time yet.

*James Hamill is lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Zuma’s proposed prosecution is a welcome reaffirmation of the principle that all are equal before the law. But a trial carries with it very real dangers for the ANC.

By James Hamill* The latest instalment in South Africa’s longest running political soap opera played out dramatically on 16 March when Shaun Abrahams, the head of South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), announced that 16 criminal charges against former president Jacob Zuma must stand and be tested in court. The charges relate to 783 counts of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering. The charges were controversially dropped in 2009 but reinstated by the country’s High Court in 2016. The Supreme Court of Appeal went on to uphold this judgment in 2017. This is merely one instalment in a drama that may still have some years to run. It can be traced back to the sleaze and kickbacks surrounding the arms procurement package of the late 1990s. The allegations were that Zuma was a beneficiary of largesse from certain arms companies in exchange for exerting his influence on their behalf. The Abrahams decision – made despite opposition fears that, as a Zuma appointee, he might flinch from the challenge - is of enormous significance. A former president is now likely to find himself in the dock at a criminal trial, an unprecedented event in South African history. A different political atmosphere Looking beyond the groundbreaking historical nature of the decision and its implications for Zuma personally, it seems unlikely that Abrahams’ decision will generate the same passions as the issue did in the 2007-2009 period. At that point Zuma’s standing in the ANC alliance was at an all time high and attempts to prosecute him for corruption were viewed as part of a wider ‘dirty tricks’ campaign to sabotage his rise to the presidencies of both party and state. This included the Thabo Mbeki camp inside the ANC and others outside the party. His 2006 rape trial had been viewed in similar terms by his staunchest backers such as then ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, who subsequently, and rather shamelessly, would reinvent himself as Zuma’s chief critic. Pro-Zuma sentiment was particularly strong on the left of the ANC-led alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party uncritically and unconditionally buying into the mythology around Zuma . They viewed his presidency as an opportunity to engineer a leftwards shift in South Africa’s general political direction after the supposed ‘neo-liberalism’ of the Mbeki years. Now, in 2018, the left is older and wiser. In the aftermath of a scandal ridden presidency disfigured by endemic corruption and allegations of state capture by private interests close to Zuma, the trade union federation and the Communist Party are more likely to support his prosecution than contest it. Equally, the broader politics of the issue are now less highly charged. In 2009, Zuma was the president-in-waiting. There was limited enthusiasm, even among his many critics in the movement, to see a South African president inaugurated who faced the realistic prospect of a criminal trial in the foreseeable future. It was felt this would provide a fatal distraction from the responsibilities of government. As it turned out, he was fatally distracted from those responsibilities anyway by a succession of new scandals which arrived with alarming frequency to paralyse his presidency. These included Nkandla (2013/2014), Nenegate (December 2015), the sacking of Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan (March 2017), and the various state capture reports of 2016/17. While prosecutors technically make their decisions on narrow legal grounds, one should not assume they are entirely insulated from broader political and societal pressures in their decision making. Now, however, Zuma is merely a former president and an ANC member. Consequently, the protective shield previously extended by the governing party will not be there. And, given the other scandals mentioned above and with a new leader in place, he may only be able to draw on very modest support from within the ANC’s ranks. The double-edged sword Zuma’s proposed prosecution is a welcome reaffirmation of the principle that all are equal before the law. But a trial carries with it very real dangers for the ANC. First, it will serve to remind a wider South African audience that Zuma did not emerge in a vacuum. He is a product of the ANC. The party elected him twice as its president and, before recalling him in February 2017, rallied round him during the Nkandla saga and in numerous parliamentary votes of no-confidence. Its own National Executive Committee also rejected demands for his recall on several occasions. It will be difficult if not impossible for the ANC to avoid some collateral damage as it was unquestionably the chief facilitator and enabler of that discredited era. Second, there is always the risk that a trial will see the movement’s dirty laundry being aired in public by Zuma. This will be particularly true if he believes his fate is sealed, taking the opportunity for a wider settling of scores with others in the ANC. The trial could then become an endurance test for the ANC and a propaganda windfall for its opponents reminding South Africans in graphic detail of the looting and embezzlement over which the movement has presided. Ramaphosa will hope that Zuma’s lawyers revisit their earlier so-called ‘Stalingrad strategy’ of delays and prevarication so that when it finally commences it does so after – and not before – the 2019 election. On past evidence there are likely to be numerous attempts by his lawyers to actually prevent the case from ever coming to court. For the trial to take place in the run up to, and during that election campaign, would be extremely unwelcome for the new leadership. It will blunt the Ramaphosa message that he is ‘purifying’ the movement, restoring its traditional values, and seeking closure on a discredited era. Moreover, even in the aftermath of an election, the issue will return to the top of Ramaphosa’s agenda if Zuma is eventually found guilty. The question of granting or not granting him a pardon will then arise. This will test the credentials of a leader supposedly making a definitive break with a sordid past. It is also possible that further charges could be brought against Zuma once the whole state capture phenomenon is laid bare by an official commission of inquiry headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. The state capture saga makes the existing charges against Zuma look insubstantial by comparison. Zuma’s presidency may be over, but his toxic legacy seems likely to haunt the ANC – and through it South Africa - for some considerable time yet. *James Hamill is lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Zuma trial means that his toxic legacy will haunt South Africa for some time

South&nbsp;Africa&#39;s parliament will hold a vote of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma on Thursday, the ruling ANC party said, signalling its determination to eject him from office after days of stalemate.

&quot;We have now asked the chief whip to proceed with the motion of no confidence tomorrow in parliament... so that President Zuma is then removed,&quot; ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told reporters Wednesday.

He said parliament, where the ANC has a large majority, would then &quot;proceed to elect (Cyril) Ramaphosa as president of the republic&quot; -- perhaps as early as Thursday or Friday.

Zuma, who now faces as ignomious end to his nine scandal-plagued years in power, was expected to respond later on Wednesday to the ANC&#39;s order for him to resign.

&quot;For us, as the ANC leadership, we can no longer wait beyond today,&quot; Mashatile said.

Ramaphosa: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ramaphosa-trade-unionist-tycoon-and-s-africas-next-president-32771" target="_blank">Trade unionist, tycoon and South Africa&#39;s next president?</a>

&quot;If President Zuma at some point will respond, he will respond, but we can&#39;t continue waiting. The decision has been taken and must be implemented.&quot;

The power struggle over Zuma&#39;s departure has put him at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor, who is the new head of the ANC.

As the deadlock escalated, the party on Tuesday &quot;recalled&quot; Zuma from his post after days of failed closed-door negotiations with Ramaphosa.

The African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee reached its decision after meeting for 13 hours at a hotel outside Pretoria.

&quot;Recalling&quot; the head of state is a party-level instruction that the 75-year-old Zuma is under no constitutional obligation to obey.

Police raid 
Earlier Wednesday, police <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-police-raid-home-of-guptas-friends-of-president-zuma-32846" target="_blank">raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family</a> accused of overseeing a web of corruption under Zuma&#39;s rule.

Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into &quot;Vrede Farm&quot; -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers was siphoned off by the Guptas.

Local media reported that Zuma was pushing for an exit deal that included covering his potentially ruinous legal fees from prolonged court battles against multiple criminal charges.

One case relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power.

Many other graft allegations against him have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even being able to choose Zuma&#39;s ministerial appointments.

Zuma has admitted he is friends with the Guptas, originally from India, but has denied any wrongdoing.

Susan Booysen, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, said that Zuma may resign before the vote -- albeit grudgingly.

&quot;I think that he is an angry person... and he is very reluctant to go,&quot; Booysen told AFP.

The political wrangle plunged South Africa -- the continent&#39;s most developed economy -- into confusion over who is running the country, with last week&#39;s annual State of the Nation address cancelled.

Opposition parties have called for early elections as the ANC&#39;s turbulent transfer of power grinds on.

Decline of Mandela&#39;s party 
Zuma&#39;s presidency has been marred by slow economic growth, continuing racial inequality and record unemployment that have fuelled public frustration.

He was scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms since coming to power in 2009.

In 2008, Zuma&#39;s supporters pushed out then-president Thabo Mbeki via a similar &quot;recall&quot; manoeuvre over allegations of abuse of power.

In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell.

Ramaphosa, 65, the deputy president, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party&#39;s tarnished reputation before a tricky election next year.

He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a multi-millionaire businessman before returning to politics.

Zuma&#39;s hold over the ANC was shaken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader.

The ANC has insisted there will be no delay to the budget speech, which is due on February 21.

'We have now asked the chief whip to proceed with the motion of no confidence tomorrow in parliament... so that President Zuma is then removed,' ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile said

South Africa's parliament will hold a vote of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma on Thursday, the ruling ANC party said, signalling its determination to eject him from office after days of stalemate. "We have now asked the chief whip to proceed with the motion of no confidence tomorrow in parliament... so that President Zuma is then removed," ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told reporters Wednesday. He said parliament, where the ANC has a large majority, would then "proceed to elect (Cyril) Ramaphosa as president of the republic" -- perhaps as early as Thursday or Friday. Zuma, who now faces as ignomious end to his nine scandal-plagued years in power, was expected to respond later on Wednesday to the ANC's order for him to resign. "For us, as the ANC leadership, we can no longer wait beyond today," Mashatile said. Ramaphosa: Trade unionist, tycoon and South Africa's next president? "If President Zuma at some point will respond, he will respond, but we can't continue waiting. The decision has been taken and must be implemented." The power struggle over Zuma's departure has put him at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor, who is the new head of the ANC. As the deadlock escalated, the party on Tuesday "recalled" Zuma from his post after days of failed closed-door negotiations with Ramaphosa. The African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee reached its decision after meeting for 13 hours at a hotel outside Pretoria. "Recalling" the head of state is a party-level instruction that the 75-year-old Zuma is under no constitutional obligation to obey. Police raid Earlier Wednesday, police raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family accused of overseeing a web of corruption under Zuma's rule. Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into "Vrede Farm" -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers was siphoned off by the Guptas. Local media reported that Zuma was pushing for an exit deal that included covering his potentially ruinous legal fees from prolonged court battles against multiple criminal charges. One case relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power. Many other graft allegations against him have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even being able to choose Zuma's ministerial appointments. Zuma has admitted he is friends with the Guptas, originally from India, but has denied any wrongdoing. Susan Booysen, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, said that Zuma may resign before the vote -- albeit grudgingly. "I think that he is an angry person... and he is very reluctant to go," Booysen told AFP. The political wrangle plunged South Africa -- the continent's most developed economy -- into confusion over who is running the country, with last week's annual State of the Nation address cancelled. Opposition parties have called for early elections as the ANC's turbulent transfer of power grinds on. Decline of Mandela's party Zuma's presidency has been marred by slow economic growth, continuing racial inequality and record unemployment that have fuelled public frustration. He was scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms since coming to power in 2009. In 2008, Zuma's supporters pushed out then-president Thabo Mbeki via a similar "recall" manoeuvre over allegations of abuse of power. In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell. Ramaphosa, 65, the deputy president, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party's tarnished reputation before a tricky election next year. He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a multi-millionaire businessman before returning to politics. Zuma's hold over the ANC was shaken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader. The ANC has insisted there will be no delay to the budget speech, which is due on February 21.

South African MPs set to finally oust Zuma Thursday: ANC

The struggle for power in South Africa intensified Wednesday as President Jacob Zuma raged against a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-mps-set-to-finally-oust-zuma-thursday-anc-32863" target="_blank">resignation order</a> from his own party ahead of a vote in parliament set to throw him out of office.

Zuma, whose reputation has been stained by years-long allegations of graft, has been instructed to step down by the African National Congress (ANC) party.

But the order is a party-level order and Zuma -- a renowned political survivor -- is under no constitutional obligation to obey.

Unless he resigns beforehand, parliament will hold a vote of no-confidence in the president on Thursday, when the ANC says its lawmakers will finally oust him from power.

Zuma, who faces as ignomious end to his nine years in office, has been at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor and the new head of the ANC.

&quot;It was very unfair to me that this (resignation) issue is raised,&quot; Zuma said in an unannounced TV interview with state broadcaster SABC.

In a rambling 45-minute conversation, Zuma did not directly refuse to resign, but said that he disagreed with &quot;the manner in which the decision is being implemented.&quot;

He repeatedly said he was not defying the ANC leadership, but added that &quot;I don&#39;t agree, as there is no evidence of if I have done anything wrong.&quot;

He said he would make a further statement later Wednesday.

The ANC on Tuesday had &quot;recalled&quot; Zuma from his post after days of failed closed-door negotiations with Ramaphosa.

The party&#39;s national executive committee ordered the recall in a 13-hour meeting at a hotel outside Pretoria.

&#39;We can no longer wait&#39; 
ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told reporters that parliament, where the party has a large majority, would vote out Zuma on Thursday and could elect Ramaphosa as president as early as Friday.

&quot;For us, as the ANC leadership, we can no longer wait,&quot; Mashatile said. &quot;The decision has been taken and must be implemented.&quot;

Earlier Wednesday, police raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family, which is accused of overseeing a web of corruption under Zuma&#39;s rule.

Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into &quot;Vrede Farm&quot; -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers were siphoned off by the Guptas.

Local media reported that Zuma had been pushing for an exit deal that included covering his potentially ruinous legal fees from prolonged court battles against multiple criminal charges.

One case relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power.

Many other graft allegations against him have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even being able to choose Zuma&#39;s ministerial appointments.

Zuma has admitted he is friends with the Guptas, originally from India, but has denied any wrongdoing.

Susan Booysen, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, said that Zuma may still resign before a parliamentary vote -- albeit grudgingly.

&quot;I think that he is an angry person... and he is very reluctant to go,&quot; Booysen told AFP.

The political wrangle has plunged South Africa -- the continent&#39;s most developed economy -- into confusion over who is running the country, with last week&#39;s annual State of the Nation address cancelled.

Opposition parties have called for early elections as the ANC&#39;s turbulent transfer of power grinds on.

Decline of Mandela&#39;s party 
Zuma&#39;s presidency has been marred by slow economic growth, continuing racial inequality and record unemployment that have fuelled public frustration.

He was scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms since coming to power in 2009.

In 2008, Zuma&#39;s supporters pushed out then-president Thabo Mbeki via a similar &quot;recall&quot; manoeuvre over allegations of abuse of power.

In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell.

Ramaphosa, 65, the deputy president, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party&#39;s tarnished reputation before a tricky election next year.

He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a multi-millionaire businessman before returning to politics.

Zuma&#39;s hold over the ANC was shaken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader.

The ANC has insisted there will be no delay to the budget speech, which is due on February 21.

Zuma has been instructed to step down by the African National Congress (ANC) part

The struggle for power in South Africa intensified Wednesday as President Jacob Zuma raged against a resignation order from his own party ahead of a vote in parliament set to throw him out of office. Zuma, whose reputation has been stained by years-long allegations of graft, has been instructed to step down by the African National Congress (ANC) party. But the order is a party-level order and Zuma -- a renowned political survivor -- is under no constitutional obligation to obey. Unless he resigns beforehand, parliament will hold a vote of no-confidence in the president on Thursday, when the ANC says its lawmakers will finally oust him from power. Zuma, who faces as ignomious end to his nine years in office, has been at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor and the new head of the ANC. "It was very unfair to me that this (resignation) issue is raised," Zuma said in an unannounced TV interview with state broadcaster SABC. In a rambling 45-minute conversation, Zuma did not directly refuse to resign, but said that he disagreed with "the manner in which the decision is being implemented." He repeatedly said he was not defying the ANC leadership, but added that "I don't agree, as there is no evidence of if I have done anything wrong." He said he would make a further statement later Wednesday. The ANC on Tuesday had "recalled" Zuma from his post after days of failed closed-door negotiations with Ramaphosa. The party's national executive committee ordered the recall in a 13-hour meeting at a hotel outside Pretoria. 'We can no longer wait' ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told reporters that parliament, where the party has a large majority, would vote out Zuma on Thursday and could elect Ramaphosa as president as early as Friday. "For us, as the ANC leadership, we can no longer wait," Mashatile said. "The decision has been taken and must be implemented." Earlier Wednesday, police raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family, which is accused of overseeing a web of corruption under Zuma's rule. Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into "Vrede Farm" -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers were siphoned off by the Guptas. Local media reported that Zuma had been pushing for an exit deal that included covering his potentially ruinous legal fees from prolonged court battles against multiple criminal charges. One case relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power. Many other graft allegations against him have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even being able to choose Zuma's ministerial appointments. Zuma has admitted he is friends with the Guptas, originally from India, but has denied any wrongdoing. Susan Booysen, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, said that Zuma may still resign before a parliamentary vote -- albeit grudgingly. "I think that he is an angry person... and he is very reluctant to go," Booysen told AFP. The political wrangle has plunged South Africa -- the continent's most developed economy -- into confusion over who is running the country, with last week's annual State of the Nation address cancelled. Opposition parties have called for early elections as the ANC's turbulent transfer of power grinds on. Decline of Mandela's party Zuma's presidency has been marred by slow economic growth, continuing racial inequality and record unemployment that have fuelled public frustration. He was scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms since coming to power in 2009. In 2008, Zuma's supporters pushed out then-president Thabo Mbeki via a similar "recall" manoeuvre over allegations of abuse of power. In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell. Ramaphosa, 65, the deputy president, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party's tarnished reputation before a tricky election next year. He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a multi-millionaire businessman before returning to politics. Zuma's hold over the ANC was shaken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader. The ANC has insisted there will be no delay to the budget speech, which is due on February 21.

Defiant Zuma holds on despite resignation order

South Africa&#39;s ruling ANC party confirmed Tuesday that it had decided to &quot;recall&quot; scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma from office, but said no deadline had been set for him to resign.

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule told reporters that Zuma had &quot;agreed in principle to resign and had proposed time frames extending from three to six months&quot;.

Magashule said there was no deadline and that there was &quot;continuing interaction&quot; between party officials and Zuma.

&quot;In its wisdom, the NEC (National Executive Committee) decided... to recall its deployee Jacob Zuma,&quot; Magashule told reporters.

&quot;The decision by the NEC to recall its deployee was taken only after exhaustive discussion on the impact such a recall would have on the country, the ANC and the functioning of government.&quot;

The ANC party can &quot;recall&quot; the head of state, but the process is a party-level instruction and he is under no constitutional obligation to obey.

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule told reporters that Zuma had 'agreed in principle to resign and had proposed time frames extending from three to six months'

South Africa's ruling ANC party confirmed Tuesday that it had decided to "recall" scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma from office, but said no deadline had been set for him to resign. ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule told reporters that Zuma had "agreed in principle to resign and had proposed time frames extending from three to six months". Magashule said there was no deadline and that there was "continuing interaction" between party officials and Zuma. "In its wisdom, the NEC (National Executive Committee) decided... to recall its deployee Jacob Zuma," Magashule told reporters. "The decision by the NEC to recall its deployee was taken only after exhaustive discussion on the impact such a recall would have on the country, the ANC and the functioning of government." The ANC party can "recall" the head of state, but the process is a party-level instruction and he is under no constitutional obligation to obey.

South Africa's ANC confirms 'recall' of Zuma from presidency

South Africa`s ruling African National Congress (ANC) will convene a special meeting of its decision-making executive on Monday, its spokesman said, amid mounting pressure on President Jacob Zuma to step down.

The ANC called off a similar meeting scheduled for last Wednesday to discuss Zuma`s future after the president and party leader Cyril Ramaphosa agreed to hold talks for a transition of power.

The party has only said that those talks were &quot;constructive&quot;.

Zuma, South Africa`s most controversial president since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, has been in a weakened position since he was replaced as ANC leader by Deputy President Ramaphosa in December.&nbsp;

Zuma, who no longer holds a top position in the party, has not said whether he will resign voluntarily before his second term as president ends in the middle of next year.

ANC spokesman Pule Mabe could not say whether Monday`s special meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) would discuss Zuma`s political future.

NEC is a key ANC decision-making body that has the power to instruct Zuma to resign.

&quot;We do have a meeting tomorrow, we are unable to speak about the agenda at this stage,&quot; Mabe said on Sunday.

A senior ANC source told Reuters the meeting was scheduled to take place at 1200 GMT in Pretoria on Monday.

&quot;We expect to discuss Zuma`s future,&quot; another source said.

Zuma has overseen a tumultuous nine years in power marked by economic decline and numerous allegations of corruption.

The ANC called off a similar meeting scheduled for last Wednesday to discuss Zuma`s future after the president and party leader Cyril Ramaphosa agreed to hold talks for a transition of power

South Africa`s ruling African National Congress (ANC) will convene a special meeting of its decision-making executive on Monday, its spokesman said, amid mounting pressure on President Jacob Zuma to step down. The ANC called off a similar meeting scheduled for last Wednesday to discuss Zuma`s future after the president and party leader Cyril Ramaphosa agreed to hold talks for a transition of power. The party has only said that those talks were "constructive". Zuma, South Africa`s most controversial president since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, has been in a weakened position since he was replaced as ANC leader by Deputy President Ramaphosa in December. Zuma, who no longer holds a top position in the party, has not said whether he will resign voluntarily before his second term as president ends in the middle of next year. ANC spokesman Pule Mabe could not say whether Monday`s special meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) would discuss Zuma`s political future. NEC is a key ANC decision-making body that has the power to instruct Zuma to resign. "We do have a meeting tomorrow, we are unable to speak about the agenda at this stage," Mabe said on Sunday. A senior ANC source told Reuters the meeting was scheduled to take place at 1200 GMT in Pretoria on Monday. "We expect to discuss Zuma`s future," another source said. Zuma has overseen a tumultuous nine years in power marked by economic decline and numerous allegations of corruption.

South Africa's ANC to hold meeting on Monday as pressure mounts on Zuma

Efforts by South Africa&#39;s ruling African National Congress (ANC) to unseat President Jacob Zuma tilted towards the end game on Wednesday as the speaker of parliament said party leader Cyril Ramaphosa would outline Zuma&#39;s fate imminently.

Zuma, in power since 2009, has been in a weakened position since Deputy President Ramaphosa replaced him as ANC leader in December.

The ANC had scheduled an urgent meeting of its national executive on Wednesday evening to discuss Zuma&#39;s future but postponed it late on Tuesday after &quot;constructive&quot; talks between Zuma and Ramaphosa.

The delay increased speculation that a deal for Zuma to resign had been ironed out. Times Live, an online news service, quoted sources as saying Zuma would resign as soon as a list of preconditions had been finalised.

Speaker Baleka Mbete suggested South Africans would learn of Zuma&#39;s fate within hours.

&quot;In this day there will be some progress which the president of the ANC will be ready to come back to us about,&quot; she told the eNCA television channel.

Zuma&#39;s spokesman declined to comment.

Zuma engineered the ouster of former president Thabo Mbeki in 2008 shortly after taking over the helm of the ANC. He has not said whether he will resign voluntarily before his second term as president ends next year.

The 75-year-old has been South Africa&#39;s most controversial president since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, overseeing a tumultuous nine years marked by economic decline and numerous allegations of corruption.

Some within the ANC and the opposition say the Gupta family, friends of Zuma, have used their links with the president to influence cabinet appointments and win state tenders.

The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing but the allegations are the focus of a judicial enquiry.

Speaker Baleka Mbete suggested South Africans would learn of Zuma's fate within hours.

Efforts by South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) to unseat President Jacob Zuma tilted towards the end game on Wednesday as the speaker of parliament said party leader Cyril Ramaphosa would outline Zuma's fate imminently. Zuma, in power since 2009, has been in a weakened position since Deputy President Ramaphosa replaced him as ANC leader in December. The ANC had scheduled an urgent meeting of its national executive on Wednesday evening to discuss Zuma's future but postponed it late on Tuesday after "constructive" talks between Zuma and Ramaphosa. The delay increased speculation that a deal for Zuma to resign had been ironed out. Times Live, an online news service, quoted sources as saying Zuma would resign as soon as a list of preconditions had been finalised. Speaker Baleka Mbete suggested South Africans would learn of Zuma's fate within hours. "In this day there will be some progress which the president of the ANC will be ready to come back to us about," she told the eNCA television channel. Zuma's spokesman declined to comment. Zuma engineered the ouster of former president Thabo Mbeki in 2008 shortly after taking over the helm of the ANC. He has not said whether he will resign voluntarily before his second term as president ends next year. The 75-year-old has been South Africa's most controversial president since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, overseeing a tumultuous nine years marked by economic decline and numerous allegations of corruption. Some within the ANC and the opposition say the Gupta family, friends of Zuma, have used their links with the president to influence cabinet appointments and win state tenders. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing but the allegations are the focus of a judicial enquiry.

End-game looms for South Africa's President Jacob Zuma

Jacob Zuma kicked off the new year by declaring that God was on the side of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Speaking last week, ahead of the ANC&rsquo;s 105th birthday celebrations (January 8) which took place at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, he reiterated a statement he has made several times before &ndash; that the party will rule till Jesus comes. This time he went even further, hitting back at the party&rsquo;s detractors by declaring: &lsquo;We believers never forget that, just like the son of man who came to wash away all of our sins, the birth of the ANC happened to free the people who were oppressed.&rsquo;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By implication, it would seem, any President of the ANC must be pretty well in with God, and those against him, on the side of the Devil.

&nbsp;

Put aside, for the moment, any thought of whether Zuma actually believes this twaddle. Consider instead that it actually fits the liberation movement cosmology of the ANC.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the beginning, there was the Garden of Eden, centred in Merrie South Africa, an ancestral land blessed by plenty, peace, wealth, comfort and ubuntu. Then came the Fall. Originally Africans had had the land, and the Whites had come with the Bible.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Colonialism and apartheid saw the Whites grab the land, leaving the Blacks with the Bible. But then along came the ANC, with many clerics at its head, its fore-ordained mission to restore South Africa to its rightful owners. And save South Africa it did, leading the country to redemption in 1994 under the messianic leadership of Nelson Mandela.

&nbsp;

Alternatively, of course, there is the secular version of much the same story, told in psuedo-scientific, Soviet-style Marxist language. This time round, the vehicle of salvation is the class alliance of the ANC with the South African Communist Party.&nbsp; Simultaneously, there would be a struggle for national liberation and socialism. Now redemption comes in two stages: first, that of the national democratic revolution, and only then, the heaven-on-earth of socialism.

&nbsp;

Common to both versions is the certainty of history. It is the ANC that represents the people, and knows their true interests and destiny. Even if, on occasion, it follows the wrong path, as the chosen instrument of Providence it will find its way back to the straight and narrow.&nbsp;

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<h5>All other parties are, therefore, imposters, and are therefore bound to be vanquished for the ANC and the people are one.</h5>
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All other parties are, therefore, imposters, and are therefore bound to be vanquished for the ANC and the people are one. The ANC will, therefore, rule until the End of History, or Jesus&rsquo; second coming. Which is why, in a previous speech late last year, Zuma had felt confident enough to tell churchmen who had become critical of the ANC to stay out of politics and stick to religion. It is only the ANC, apparently, which is entitled to blur the two. As far as Zuma is concerned, ANC is the historic bearer of Good News.

&nbsp;

For as the ANC slogan had it at the last general election in 2014, the party had &lsquo;a good story to tell&rsquo;. It is a good thing for, in his message to the ANC at its birthday bash, Zuma had little or nothing to say. He acknowledged South Africa had been going through hard times &ndash; mostly, he said, because of hostile global conditions &ndash; but assured the faithful that a continuous pursuit of ANC policies of &lsquo;transformation&rsquo; would lead to better times ahead.

&nbsp;

However, the problem for Jacob Zuma&rsquo;s political theology is that far too many members of the ANC have been experiencing a dramatic loss of faith. They look back in fondness to the years of the struggle against apartheid when the ANC &ndash; whatever its earthly faults was, recognisably and unequivocably,&nbsp; on the side of right and the righteous. It had more saints than sinners, and its ethos was one of duty, self-abnegation and sacrifice. The individual was as nothing; the movement, the struggle, was everything.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Yet, now they look at the ANC of Jacob Zuma, and see little else but a leader and his acolytes deeply mired in corruption, the party torn apart by factionalism, and selfishness rampant. The interests of the people, they say, have been forgotten. The party must, therefore, &lsquo;self-correct&rsquo; &ndash; and do so quickly if it is to win back its sheep who have strayed.

&nbsp;

Is there a Martin Luther within the ranks of the ANC willing to risk all and to nail his manifesto of reform to the church door?&nbsp;

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If so, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see one. Cyril Ramaphosa has recently positioned himself as the reform candidate to replace Zuma when his term as party President expires in December 2017. He took a firm stand against corruption just prior to the ANC&rsquo;s birthday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By openly decrying the perversion of the party&rsquo;s electoral processes, bewailing votes bought by money stuffed in the boots of cars, and deploring &lsquo;state capture&rsquo;, he puts clear distance between himself and Zuma.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, Ramaphosa does not make a very convincing reformer. Not only has he previously kept as quiet as a church mouse as Zuma has lurched from scandal to scandal, but he lacks a significant congregation within the ANC. Nor is it likely that his major rival in the succession race, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the president&rsquo;s ex-wife, would get to grips with the corruption and patronage that has sunk deep into the ANC.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As Nkosazana would have been placed in power by Zuma&rsquo;s own disciples in order to defend their interests and keep their boss out of jail, she would be too deeply compromised to drive the money-changers from the temple. It seems, unlikely, therefore that the ANC will able to cleanse its soul and present itself as a credible saviour to the voters in the general election in 2019.

&nbsp;

It is true, certainly, that the ANC may be able to use its considerable powers of persuasion to lure some lost sheep to the polls. Yet, many will not only stay away but cast their votes elsewhere, throwing an ANC victory into question. Zuma may preach that with God on its side, the ANC will never fail. Yet with the ANC in its present state of decline, God seems an unlikely backer at the next general election. God, it would seem, is not an ANC loyalist, but rather a floating voter.

'God, it would seem, is not an ANC loyalist, but rather a floating voter'

Jacob Zuma kicked off the new year by declaring that God was on the side of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Speaking last week, ahead of the ANC’s 105th birthday celebrations (January 8) which took place at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, he reiterated a statement he has made several times before – that the party will rule till Jesus comes. This time he went even further, hitting back at the party’s detractors by declaring: ‘We believers never forget that, just like the son of man who came to wash away all of our sins, the birth of the ANC happened to free the people who were oppressed.’ By implication, it would seem, any President of the ANC must be pretty well in with God, and those against him, on the side of the Devil. Put aside, for the moment, any thought of whether Zuma actually believes this twaddle. Consider instead that it actually fits the liberation movement cosmology of the ANC. In the beginning, there was the Garden of Eden, centred in Merrie South Africa, an ancestral land blessed by plenty, peace, wealth, comfort and ubuntu. Then came the Fall. Originally Africans had had the land, and the Whites had come with the Bible. Colonialism and apartheid saw the Whites grab the land, leaving the Blacks with the Bible. But then along came the ANC, with many clerics at its head, its fore-ordained mission to restore South Africa to its rightful owners. And save South Africa it did, leading the country to redemption in 1994 under the messianic leadership of Nelson Mandela. Alternatively, of course, there is the secular version of much the same story, told in psuedo-scientific, Soviet-style Marxist language. This time round, the vehicle of salvation is the class alliance of the ANC with the South African Communist Party. Simultaneously, there would be a struggle for national liberation and socialism. Now redemption comes in two stages: first, that of the national democratic revolution, and only then, the heaven-on-earth of socialism. Common to both versions is the certainty of history. It is the ANC that represents the people, and knows their true interests and destiny. Even if, on occasion, it follows the wrong path, as the chosen instrument of Providence it will find its way back to the straight and narrow. All other parties are, therefore, imposters, and are therefore bound to be vanquished for the ANC and the people are one. × All other parties are, therefore, imposters, and are therefore bound to be vanquished for the ANC and the people are one. The ANC will, therefore, rule until the End of History, or Jesus’ second coming. Which is why, in a previous speech late last year, Zuma had felt confident enough to tell churchmen who had become critical of the ANC to stay out of politics and stick to religion. It is only the ANC, apparently, which is entitled to blur the two. As far as Zuma is concerned, ANC is the historic bearer of Good News. For as the ANC slogan had it at the last general election in 2014, the party had ‘a good story to tell’. It is a good thing for, in his message to the ANC at its birthday bash, Zuma had little or nothing to say. He acknowledged South Africa had been going through hard times – mostly, he said, because of hostile global conditions – but assured the faithful that a continuous pursuit of ANC policies of ‘transformation’ would lead to better times ahead. However, the problem for Jacob Zuma’s political theology is that far too many members of the ANC have been experiencing a dramatic loss of faith. They look back in fondness to the years of the struggle against apartheid when the ANC – whatever its earthly faults was, recognisably and unequivocably, on the side of right and the righteous. It had more saints than sinners, and its ethos was one of duty, self-abnegation and sacrifice. The individual was as nothing; the movement, the struggle, was everything. Yet, now they look at the ANC of Jacob Zuma, and see little else but a leader and his acolytes deeply mired in corruption, the party torn apart by factionalism, and selfishness rampant. The interests of the people, they say, have been forgotten. The party must, therefore, ‘self-correct’ – and do so quickly if it is to win back its sheep who have strayed. Is there a Martin Luther within the ranks of the ANC willing to risk all and to nail his manifesto of reform to the church door? However, the problem for Jacob Zuma’s political theology is that far too many members of the ANC have been experiencing a dramatic loss of faith. × If so, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see one. Cyril Ramaphosa has recently positioned himself as the reform candidate to replace Zuma when his term as party President expires in December 2017. He took a firm stand against corruption just prior to the ANC’s birthday. By openly decrying the perversion of the party’s electoral processes, bewailing votes bought by money stuffed in the boots of cars, and deploring ‘state capture’, he puts clear distance between himself and Zuma. However, Ramaphosa does not make a very convincing reformer. Not only has he previously kept as quiet as a church mouse as Zuma has lurched from scandal to scandal, but he lacks a significant congregation within the ANC. Nor is it likely that his major rival in the succession race, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the president’s ex-wife, would get to grips with the corruption and patronage that has sunk deep into the ANC. As Nkosazana would have been placed in power by Zuma’s own disciples in order to defend their interests and keep their boss out of jail, she would be too deeply compromised to drive the money-changers from the temple. It seems, unlikely, therefore that the ANC will able to cleanse its soul and present itself as a credible saviour to the voters in the general election in 2019. It is true, certainly, that the ANC may be able to use its considerable powers of persuasion to lure some lost sheep to the polls. Yet, many will not only stay away but cast their votes elsewhere, throwing an ANC victory into question. Zuma may preach that with God on its side, the ANC will never fail. Yet with the ANC in its present state of decline, God seems an unlikely backer at the next general election. God, it would seem, is not an ANC loyalist, but rather a floating voter.

The political theology of Jacob Zuma and the 105th anniversary of the African National Congress

The African National Congress (ANC) lost its grip on local government in Tshwane, home of the South African capital Pretoria, as results yesterday gave the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) a second big win in the ANC&#39;s worst election since the end of apartheid. 
 
The results of Wednesday&#39;s voting have reshaped the political landscape in South Africa, where the ANC has ruled virtually unopposed since it ended white-minority rule in 1994, led by Nelson Mandela. 
 
Unemployment, economic stagnation and scandals around President Jacob Zuma led voters to punish the ANC, changing the outlook for national elections in 2019 and potentially emboldening Zuma&#39;s rivals within the ANC to challenge him. 
 
Saving some pride, the ANC won in Johannesburg, South Africa&#39;s economic and financial hub, taking 45 per cent of the vote to the DA&#39;s 38 per cent, but will have to form a coalition to govern. 
 
Wins in Tshwane and in Nelson Mandela Bay, which includes the manufacturing hub Port Elizabeth, are a watershed for the DA, which also held Cape Town, a municipality that it has controlled since 2006. 
 
Last year it elected its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, as it tries to shake off an image of a party mainly serving white interests. 
 
&quot;It signals to everyone that the tide in our country is turning,&quot; Maimane told reporters on yesterday. 
 
The ANC still won the most votes overall&nbsp;and was working to form coalitions in the municipalities where it lost its majority. 
 
&quot;We are into negotiations as we speak,&quot; said Paul Mashatile, the ANC chairman in Gauteng province, which includes Tshwane and Johannesburg. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s quite clear that our people, our traditional supporters, are still with us but maybe not too many people came out to vote so we need to go back and find out why.&quot; 
 
The DA will also need to form coalitions to govern in both Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay. 
 
In his first public remarks since the vote&#39;s outcome, Zuma said South Africa was a &quot;democracy where differences of political opinion and diverse political preferences are allowed to flourish&quot;. 
 
Mismanagement 
 
The ANC has lost support among voters who feel their lives have not improved, and the opposition has accused Zuma of mismanaging the economy. Millions of urban voters are now looking beyond its liberation struggle credentials and focusing on an economy teetering on the edge of a recession. 
 
Zuma rattled investors in December by changing finance ministers twice in a week, sending the rand plummeting. The currency has since recovered and received a boost from the lack of violence during the local elections. 
 
The president survived an impeachment vote in April after the Constitutional Court said he had broken the law by ignoring an order to repay some of $16 million in state funds spent on renovating his private home. Zuma has since said he will repay some of the money, as ordered by the court. 
 
&quot;The ANC may just become a rural party,&quot; said William Gumede, head of the Democracy Works Foundation think-tank. 
 
The radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party led by Julius Malema, Zuma&#39;s one-time protege but now arch-foe, came a distant third in the local elections, with about 10 percent of the vote. 
 
Malema has drawn support with promises to nationalise banks and land and redistribute among poor black people wealth still mostly in white hands - policies that both the DA and the ANC have not found palatable. 
 
With the ANC and DA both seeking to rule in Johannesburg and Tshwane, the EFF could be courted where coalitions are needed. 
 
Malema has not revealed who he would back, saying: &quot;If anyone comes to us, we&#39;ll talk.&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

President Jacob Zuma's mismanagement and scandals have led voters to punish the ANC, emboldening rivals Democratic Alliance

The African National Congress (ANC) lost its grip on local government in Tshwane, home of the South African capital Pretoria, as results yesterday gave the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) a second big win in the ANC's worst election since the end of apartheid. The results of Wednesday's voting have reshaped the political landscape in South Africa, where the ANC has ruled virtually unopposed since it ended white-minority rule in 1994, led by Nelson Mandela. Unemployment, economic stagnation and scandals around President Jacob Zuma led voters to punish the ANC, changing the outlook for national elections in 2019 and potentially emboldening Zuma's rivals within the ANC to challenge him. Saving some pride, the ANC won in Johannesburg, South Africa's economic and financial hub, taking 45 per cent of the vote to the DA's 38 per cent, but will have to form a coalition to govern. Wins in Tshwane and in Nelson Mandela Bay, which includes the manufacturing hub Port Elizabeth, are a watershed for the DA, which also held Cape Town, a municipality that it has controlled since 2006. Last year it elected its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, as it tries to shake off an image of a party mainly serving white interests. "It signals to everyone that the tide in our country is turning," Maimane told reporters on yesterday. The ANC still won the most votes overall and was working to form coalitions in the municipalities where it lost its majority. "We are into negotiations as we speak," said Paul Mashatile, the ANC chairman in Gauteng province, which includes Tshwane and Johannesburg. "It's quite clear that our people, our traditional supporters, are still with us but maybe not too many people came out to vote so we need to go back and find out why." The DA will also need to form coalitions to govern in both Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay. In his first public remarks since the vote's outcome, Zuma said South Africa was a "democracy where differences of political opinion and diverse political preferences are allowed to flourish". Mismanagement The ANC has lost support among voters who feel their lives have not improved, and the opposition has accused Zuma of mismanaging the economy. Millions of urban voters are now looking beyond its liberation struggle credentials and focusing on an economy teetering on the edge of a recession. Zuma rattled investors in December by changing finance ministers twice in a week, sending the rand plummeting. The currency has since recovered and received a boost from the lack of violence during the local elections. The president survived an impeachment vote in April after the Constitutional Court said he had broken the law by ignoring an order to repay some of $16 million in state funds spent on renovating his private home. Zuma has since said he will repay some of the money, as ordered by the court. "The ANC may just become a rural party," said William Gumede, head of the Democracy Works Foundation think-tank. The radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party led by Julius Malema, Zuma's one-time protege but now arch-foe, came a distant third in the local elections, with about 10 percent of the vote. Malema has drawn support with promises to nationalise banks and land and redistribute among poor black people wealth still mostly in white hands - policies that both the DA and the ANC have not found palatable. With the ANC and DA both seeking to rule in Johannesburg and Tshwane, the EFF could be courted where coalitions are needed. Malema has not revealed who he would back, saying: "If anyone comes to us, we'll talk." (Reuters)

South Africa's ANC suffers worst election since taking power