New ‘Vote Of No Confidence’ Imminent For President Zuma
President Jacob Zuma of South Africa faces a no-confidence vote in parliament on Thursday.
But the scandal-hit president looks certain to survive despite increasing anger within his party.
Zuma has fought off a series of damaging controversies during his presidency. And last week, he came under heightened pressure after a corruption probe raised fresh allegations of misconduct.
The South African leader, who came to power in 2009, retains strong loyalty among ruling Africa National Congress (ANC) lawmakers.
The main opposition party, The Democratic Alliance, has presented the no-confidence motion accusing Zuma of causing “havoc on our infant democracy.”
“President Zuma’s brand of corruption, economic mismanagement and lies can no longer continue to exist alongside the project of building a better South Africa,” the party said in a statement.
The no-confidence vote will be the third in less than a year. The first two were easily defeated by the ANC’s majority in parliament.
Accusations of criminal
The corruption report by the country’s top watchdog raised accusations of possible criminal activity in Zuma’s relationship with the Guptas, a business family accused of wielding undue political influence.
It included allegations that the Guptas offered Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas a $44 million (40 million euros) bribe, which he said he refused.
Increasing numbers of anti-apartheid veterans, ANC activists, trade unions, civil groups and business leaders have called for Zuma to resign.
But the ANC leadership scoffed at the no-confidence vote, describing it as “ritualistic” and “founded on spurious allegations and narrow political motives.”
When he leaves office, the three leading possible successors are his ex-wife African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize.
