Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Zuma family rebuffs wife’s online rant
AS THE ANC’s top brass persist in their efforts to ensure “a dignified exit” for President Jacob Zuma, one of his wives Thobeka Madiba-Zuma, raised the ante in the political stand-off that has plunged the governing party into a crisis.
She took a jibe at Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in an Instagram post, suggesting her husband had not joined the liberation Struggle to enrich himself.
She also intimated that Zuma would finish his term and warned that things were going to get ugly.
However, moments after Madiba- Zuma’s social media tirade, the Zuma family took a swipe at her, describing her post as divisive. The family were quick to apologise.
In her Instagram post, Madiba- Zuma posted a picture of herself and her “everyday crush”, as she refers to her husband.
The accompanying caption read: “Kuzoshuba ungalwi nomuntu ongalwi nawe”, which loosely translated means: “It’s going to get tough/ ugly, don’t fight with someone who is not fighting you.”
In response to a comment on the picture, she lashed out at her husband’s opponent, saying Zuma had not joined the ANC in 1991, jumped ship or “hip hopped” between the Struggle and wealth accumulation.
“He (Zuma) left home at a tender age to fight apartheid. He was prepared to pay the ultimate price.”
She ended the comment with: “Zuma will finish what he started because he doesn’t take orders beyond the Atlantic Ocean.”
It is understood that “beyond the Atlantic Ocean” refers to international white investors and business people with whom Ramaphosa has business interests.
However, Madiba- Zuma appeared to have bitten off more than she could chew. Edward Zuma, responding on behalf of the Zuma family, issued a statement last night that they were investigating the matter.
“Though we have sanctioned an investigation around this matter, we want to state categorically that such tweets are unfortunate and regrettable.
“No amount of words can express our disappointment. It is for this reason that we have decided to issue this statement of apology.”
Edward would not say, when contacted for comment, if Madiba-Zuma had been consulted before the apology was issued.
Spokesperson for the Presidency Bongani Ngqulunga did not respond to questions by the time of publication.
Spokesperson for Ramaphosa, Tyrone Seale, said he had no comment on MadibaZuma’s statements and referred Independent Media to the ANC for comment.
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe could not be reached for comment.
Political analyst Imraan Buccus said the Madiba Zuma’s comments were “irresponsible” and did not serve the needs of the country.
“It is really unfortunate that she would make such statements when there is an attempt among the ANC leadership to carve a way forward for an anxious nation,” he said.
Madiba-Zuma’s comments came as Ramaphosa was said to be tying up the final details of Zuma’s departure, with the sticking points believed to be the president’s legal fees and security detail.
The discussions are expected to be concluded either today or tomorrow.
In another indication of the urgency of the matter all ANC Top Six officials cancelled their mobilisation campaign in Cape Town for the weekend to attend to an “urgent” matter.
Despite the cancellation of the programme, Ramaphosa will still address the main rally tomorrow at the Grand Parade to mark 28 years since Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and kick off Mandela’s centenary celebrations.