ANC saves Zuma from fresh resignation scare

J’burg, Wednesday

South Africa’s ruling ANC party Wednesday expressed support for President Jacob Zuma after senior members openly criticised his Cabinet reshuffle, citing fears of worsening corruption and economic crisis.

The African National Congress acknowledged the growing calls for Zuma to resign, admitting to “serious and difficult disagreement” over his sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan last week.

Gordhan’s removal triggered unprecedented criticism from Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as the party’s chief whip, its treasurer and several ANC allies.

South Africa’s powerful trade union federation Cosatu on Tuesday joined many anti-apartheid veterans, business leaders and civil action groups calling for Zuma to step down.

After a two-day meeting, the party said that it had “reflected” on the demands for Zuma to resign. “The (party) has emphasised the need for unity of the ANC and the alliance in the interests of South Africa,” ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told reporters in Johannesburg.

“Different viewpoints should always be engaged, regardless of where they emerge.” Mantashe blamed Gordhan’s sacking on “the irretrievable breakdown” in relations with the president.

Gordhan was at loggerheads with Zuma for months, receiving support from several ministers and major foreign investors, as well as many ordinary South Africans.

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