When is it checkmate for Zuma?

THE ANC’s so-called policy conference consumed a lot of time, money and energy, with no fundamental change in ideological direction.

Almost daily there were more damning disclosures on the Gupta-leak front, expanded to the astoundingly cynical propaganda machinations of Bell Pottinger.

Since the malign press was kept at bay, outsiders did not know whether the conference was engaging with these crucial issues or afflicted by collective deafness, blindness or dumbness.

At any rate, the president has never been seriously interested in national policy or long-term solutions for “a better life for all”.

Instead, he has always been more focused on the manoeuvres of party politics, short-term strategies, cabinet executions and bizarre promotions, together with the use of proxies.

His skill as a chess player is lauded, rather than his ability to generate new ideas. The emphasis is, amazingly, on his end game, rather than the nation’s future. He has sacrificed his Queen, which can be interpreted in various ways, personal and political. But he stubbornly survives despite increasing calls from all sides for his removal.

The party will continue, discredited, demoralised and losing support.

But when will he be downgraded?