PETER BRUCE: The beginning of the end of Zuma’s reign
Sure, Zuma’s time is running out. Everyone knows that. But how it happens dictates what is doable when he goes
President Jacob Zuma must by now be growing weary of the weekend visits from the African National Congress’s new Top 6 officials. They were there — again — this last weekend, asking him to perhaps, when he has the time, consider stepping down as the head of state. What part, Zuma must by now be asking himself, of the word “no” do Cyril Ramaphosa, Gwede Mantashe, Paul Mashatile and David Mabuza not understand? Sure there are two other members of the Top 6, secretary-general and Free State premier Ace Magashule and deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte. But they support Zuma staying so they don’t ask. The visit last night by the ANC officials to plead with Zuma to go will, I suspect, be the last. Another one would be absolutely pathetic. Go before the opening of parliament. Go before the budget, Go before the end of the summer, the winter, the year. Zuma, I am told, has been exquisitely polite in turning them down. There was a curious thing last night. Mantashe, now ANC chairman, and...
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