Zuma’s leadership scrutinised at Kathrada’s funeral

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma might have recused himself from attending Struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral yesterday, but he seemed the omnipresent figure, with his leadership brought under more scrutiny than ever before.

The overriding message at the funeral service was for Zuma to heed calls for him to step down.

This came amid speculation of an impending cabinet reshuffle, mainly targeted at Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas. But it was a seething letter written a year ago by Kathrada that brought home renewed calls for the country’s leader to resign.

Reading his eulogy at the Westpark Cemetery, former president Kgalema Motlanthe received a rapturous and standing ovation when he repeated Kathrada’s call for Zuma to leave office.

Uncle Kathy, as Kathrada was affectionately called, wrote to Zuma imploring him to submit to the will of the people and resign as news of his deci- sion to fire Nhlanhla Nene as finance minister emerged.

At the time, Barbara Hogan, Kathrada’s wife and former minister of health and of public enterprises, called on ANC members to “bombard Luthuli House with the message that Zuma must go”, adding “this man is creating economic sabotage”.

Motlanthe minced no words as he spoke of the late leader’s character of standing for what he believed in.

“Three- hundred- and- fiftyfour days ago today, Comrade Kathrada wrote this letter to which a reply has not been forthcoming.

“As you are aware, his letter went without any formal reply…

“I have quoted Comrade Kathy at length in this regard to make the point that for better or for worse, what he stood for never changed according to the fluidities of history.”

ANC Struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was seated next to EFF leader Julius Malema, could be seen clapping and smiling when Motlanthe repeated Kathrada’s call for Zuma to step down.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi was seen clapping his hands in glee, as scores of mourners rose to their feet and cheered Motlanthe on.

Malema, who had been calling on Zuma to step down since his expulsion from the ANC in 2012, told Independent Media they were happy the Kathrada family had honoured the stalwart’s wish for Zuma not to attend.