JACOB ZUMA’S FINAL STEPS

DECEMBER 18

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is elected president of the ANC, replacing Jacob Zuma.

DECEMBER 20

Ramaphosa states: “The ANC wishes to send a clear message to all South Africans that we are resolved to be a more responsive and more accountable leadership and movement.”

JANUARY 13

Zuma is booed at the ANC’s annual January 8 Statement.

JANUARY 15

Ramaphosa suggests Zuma may be removed “in the interests of South Africa” but “should never, ever” be humiliated.

FEBRUARY 5

A pro-Ramaphosa “defence” of Luthuli House against a planned BLF march in support of Zuma goes disastrously wrong when ANC member Thabang Setona kicks Olivia Makete, 52, viciously in the ribs.

FEBRUARY 6

The State of the Nation address is postponed.

FEBRUARY 7

Speculation over Zuma’s position as president flares as silence from the ANC continues.

FEBRUARY 9

Ramaphosa cancels his public engagements.

FEBRUARY 10

The ANC national executive committee meets without Zuma after cancelling a weekend walkabout in Cape Town ahead of the party’s centennial celebrations in honour of Nelson Mandela.

FEBRUARY 12

The ANC NEC meets at a hotel in Irene, Tshwane, for 13 hours to discuss Zuma’s future.

FEBRUARY 13

The ANC informs Zuma he has been recalled in terms of its constitution and is given the chance to resign. No time frame is set.

FEBRUARY 14

Parliament moves all committee meetings to the afternoon; the ANC holds a special caucus of all the party’s chief whips. Zuma resigns.