Zuma survives ‘robust’ NEC talks

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma survived an attempt to oust him from office only after a “robust” and “difficult” debate within the ruling ANC party, the party said yesterday.

Zuma has been weakened by corruption allegations, but his supporters were taken by surprise at the plot to unseat him at a weekend meeting of the African National Congress’s national executive committee (NEC).

The rebellion, led by at least four ministers, was the most serious threat to Zuma’s hold on power since he became president in 2009.

It also shook the party, which has ruled since the end of apartheid in 1994 but recently suffered a sharp setback in local elections.

“Following robust, honest, candid and at times difficult discussions, the [NEC] did not support the call for the president to step down,” ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told reporters.

“All members of the [NEC] had an opportunity to raise, in the meeting, the issues they feel are hurting the movement and the country.”

Reports that the meeting – which extended into Monday evening – was tense, with tempers flaring and ministers threatening to resign if Zuma stayed were denied.

“We are not aware of anyone who said they are going to resign,” ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte insisted.

Reports also claimed the president launched a fierce defence of his position.

“The president told us that he will never step down, as it would be like handing himself over to the enemy, and that there are people who want to see him in jail,” an unnamed source at the closed-door meeting said.

Zuma left South Africa early yesterday to attend the funeral of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane said the ANC’s decision to back Zuma was “no surprise”.

“Zuma clearly holds all the power in the ANC,” Maimane said. “We can never trust an ANC that keeps Zuma through all he has done.

“While the ANC continues to fight amongst themselves, our economy is hanging by a thread.”

He easily survived a vote of no confidence in parliament on November 10 – and will face his third of 2016 next week after an urgent application by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

“Bring it on, if the EFF wants to,” Duarte told reporters. It is the only weapon they have.”

Zuma is due to stand down in 2019 after serving the maximum two terms. — AFP