STEVEN FRIEDMAN: Zuma faction and EFF are playing the numbers game
A big win for Ramaphosa in the May elections means less power for Julius Malema and the former president’s stooges
Fear is a powerful emotion, and playing on it can allow some to get others to do the opposite of what they want to do. An example is EFF leader Julius Malema’s claim that President Cyril Ramaphosa will be forced out before his term ends. Malema was probably, as he has been for a while, acting as a mouthpiece for the ANC’s Zuma faction, saying things they can’t say themselves. Jacob Zuma’s supporters obviously want Ramaphosa gone before his term ends. And they know that the more people believe he will be forced out the easier it will be to get rid of him. Many voters who reject the Zuma-led ANC will vote for one led by Ramaphosa. They may not do this if they think voting ANC will propel the Zuma group back into the presidency. This is why it suits Malema to spread this claim — if they believe Ramaphosa won’t last long, some of these voters might vote EFF. It suits the Zuma group, too, because they do not want the ANC to do too well in this election. If it does, they will be unable t...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.