Cape Town, South Africa, February 6 (Infosplusgabon) – Following a day of high drama which included running street battles outside the Johannesburg headquarters of the ruling African National Congress, the party on Monday announced that President Jacob Zuma’s fate will be decided by a vote at a special national executive committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday.
The party’s National Working Committee held an emergency meeting on Monday, a day after Zuma refused to step down.
Sunday’s meeting at Zuma’s Pretoria home was led by the party’s Deputy President David Mabuza and the party’s new leader Cyril Ramaphosa recused himself in order to ensure that he is not blamed for forcing Zuma out. Ramaphosa has repeatedly said that he is seeking a “dignified” exit for Zuma who has left the party deeply divided following numerous high-profile scandals.
In a statement, the ANC said following extensive deliberation, its national working committee resolved to convene a meeting of its highest decision making body to determine Zuma’s fate.
Although Zuma remains President of the country, he is no longer head of the ruling party after December’s elective conference when Ramaphosa was appointed.
Ironically, Zuma’s predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, found himself in exactly the same position when he was recalled as President of the country by his own party in 2008.
The leader of the country is due to deliver the State of the Nation address on Thursday and there is likely to be chaos if Zuma takes the podium.
Should Zuma step down before the speech, it is understood that National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete will serve as acting President to convene parliament, and then will grant Ramaphosa as the leader of the party the opportunity to deliver the address.
Over the past few years, Zuma’s State of the Nation speeches have been marked by chaotic protests which have often resulted in violence.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposition party on Monday warned that it would disrupt the State of the Nation address if Zuma attempted to deliver it. “There will be no State of the Nation Address. It is going to be a motion of no confidence (in Zuma),” said EFF leader Julius Malema.
FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/AES/GABON 2018
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