Zuma ‘between a rock and hard place’

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma is set to leave South Africa today to lead a delegation of ministers to the inaugural session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission in Harare.

Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said Zuma was caught between “a rock and a hard place because he has to maintain a business as usual approach and appear strong, certain and confident”.

He said the president’s visit was unpredictable as it could lead to a major event such as a cabinet reshuffle.

When Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was charged with fraud, Zuma was out of the country.

On Monday, Cosatu’s largest union, Nehawu, added its voice to those calling for Zuma to step down, saying he could no longer be defended.

ANC structures, including some branches, regions and provinces, the business sector, civil society and opposition parties want Zuma to resign over the many scandals associated with his presidency, including violating his oath of office over the Nkandla security upgrades, the ANC’s electoral disaster and the investigation into state capture by his close friends the Guptas.

Zuma’s visit to Zimbabwe was aimed at cementing relations between the two SADC countries, which had already signed more than 38 memorandums of understanding and agreements.

There were also over 120 South African companies doing business in Zimbabwe, according to Zuma’s spokesperson, Bongani Ngqulunga.

The businesses were in the fast-food sector, construction, banking, tourism, aviation and mining, among others.

“South Africa and Zimbabwe have good bilateral political, economic and social relations, underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle,” said Ngqulunga.

Zuma will be accompanied by International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (Defence and Military Veterans), Rob Davies (Trade and Industry), Malusi Gigaba (Home Affairs), Mildred Oliphant (Labour) and Dipuo Peters (Transport).

Attempts to get comment from the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Black Business Council and Business Unity SA were unsuccessful.

‘He has to have a business as usual approach and appear confident’