South Africa in limbo as Zuma, deputy discuss possible exit

The expected successor to South African President Jacob Zuma said he has not offered Zuma immunity from prosecution as part of a deal to leave power, South African media reported Thursday. However, political opponents speculated that immunity is a key element in private negotiations over Zuma’s fate.

Unease was growing about what an anti-corruption group described as a “veil of secrecy” around talks between Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has said he anticipates a quick end to discussions about a power transition. While many South Africans want Ramaphosa to succeed a president whose credibility has been shattered by corruption allegations, they are increasingly impatient with the political limbo in one of Africa’s largest economies.

Ramaphosa told lawmakers from the ruling African National Congress party that he has not spoken with Zuma about protection from prosecution in the event that the president leaves office, the News24 website reported. It cited unidentified ruling party legislators.

“He was emphatic that he could not engage in anything unlawful, or engage with Zuma on anything that is not within the jurisdiction of the executive,” a member of parliament told News24.

The office of the ANC’s chief whip later called such reports “false” and accused them of aiming to disturb the talks.