There are indications that embattled South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma might step down anytime soon going by his latest discussion with his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa said in a statement on Wednesday that he anticipated a “speedy resolution” to his talks with the president about a power transition.
The deputy president who is expected to replace the scandal-tainted Zuma, acknowledged “a lot of speculation and anxiety” about the status of the president, noting that “South Africa is undergoing a challenging time.”
Ramaphosa said he is talking to his boss about “the transition and matters relating to his position as the President of the Republic.”
The deputy president further said that he and Zuma would report to the ruling party and the country in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the embattled South Africa’s president has described as “fake” news — a social media report that Russian President Vladimir Putin was going to visit the country this week.
President Jacob Zuma’s office is also denying allegations by opponents that he is preparing to fire the deputy who is poised to take his job.
The disputed announcements Tuesday illustrate the uncertainty in South Africa, where the president faces pressure to resign over alleged corruption.
The speaker of parliament said the embattled president will not give the state of the nation address in parliament Thursday and the ruling party announced the postponement of a key meeting Wednesday to discuss the president’s fate.
While Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa are holding talks on the leadership crisis, the protracted wait for a resolution is fueling national anxiety.
