5 things to know about South Africa right now

There will be no State of the nation address on Thursday:

After days of speculation and opposition parties making the call for president Jacob Zuma to not deliver the State of the nation address and the event to be canceled– it has now been postponed. Speaking to the media on the steps of Parliament on Tuesday, National Assembly speaker, Baleka Mbete, said it had become clear that a joint sitting of the two houses would not be uneventful. We’ve seen consistent disruptions of the SONA address in the past few years – and this year it was felt, was going to be no different. Mbete says as a letter was being drafted to request a postponement from president Jacob Zuma, he was evidently doing the same – also seeking that proceedings be pushed back. It is likely that the address will now be delivered in about a week’s time. It is however not a certainty that Zuma will be the man delivering that address at that time. 

Jacob Zuma is not leaving his office without a fight:

President Jacob Zuma left parliament on Tuesday in rockstar style, waving to onlookers, seemingly calm and confident. Behind the scenes though, analysts will have you know, that it cannot possible be anything but robust and perhaps heated at times. The call has reportedly been made for Zuma to step down but he’s digging in his heels. It’s been days of meetings with the top brass of the ANC and still no word on the seat of power that could perhaps be vacated in the next few days. 

There is a leadership vacuum:

Information is coming at us at an alarming speed - some of it fake news, like the reports surfacing of a Vladimir Putin visit this Thursday.  None of the factual news and information though, include the two men at the center of the current political storm, speaking to the nation. President Jacob Zuma and ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa have been meeting, talking, debating perhaps and negotiating - You and I just no none of the detail. What the nation must be told is the following: When will Zuma leave? Is there a remote option that sees him staying put? 

While we ponder this, the SACP has alleged Zuma intends to fire Ramaphosa as Deputy president of the country. A final cabinet reshuffle perhaps seen as a last ditch attempt to cling to power as it slips away from the man from Nkandla. This has however also been denied by the presidency. It was enough though to create a social media storm and no doubt heighten the tension between parties involved in talks. 

You are not alone if you’re confused about what is happening: 

In the absence of clear communication, leaders speaking to the media and answering the burning questions, there’s great room for speculation. South Africans have taken to social media to make their feelings known - many asking politicians and analysts to explain the current political developments and what is likely to happen. It is not an ideal situation that we find ourselves in as the ruling party navigates its transition from one leader to another- but in the absence of clear leadership, people are seeking answers elsewhere. As a nation, we wait for someone to take the reins and take charge, someone to address us; someone who will tell us what exactly is happening to our country. 

The call for Zuma to resign has intensified significantly

The call for Zuma to go has been a consistent one throughout the past few years but in recent times, it has gained momentum and intensified. Those outright asking the president to pack his bags include senior ANC members, ANC veterans and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. In its press release, the foundation urges Zuma to go sooner rather than later because he has demonstrated that he is not fit to govern. The Foundation has also made a call to the state to hold Zuma accountable for his action saying: “..some things cannot be pardoned.” Zuma has also been the subject of marches and pickets throughout the country. 

At this point in time though it is clear that we are on the cusp of great change, so let’s continue the Zuma watch.