Jacob Zuma faces pressure to resign, seeks ANC support in Mandela Bay

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer
new-diplomat default image
new-diplomat default image

Ad

Relief as Nigerian Doctors call-off nationwide strike

By Abiola Olawale The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced its decision to suspend its nationwide warning strike, five days after it began. NARD announced that the decision to suspend the warning strike was made during its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on September 13, 2025. The group said the latest…

FG, Striking Health Workers Resume Negotiations Today

SERAP to INEC: Sanctions State governors, Parties breaching Campaign laws Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Abiola Olawale The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take action against politicians engaging in premature campaigns for the 2027 general elections. SERAP in a letter addressed to INEC chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the importance of holding political actors accountable to maintain a…

Ad

 

 

 

South Africa’s  President Jacob Zuma, facing pressure to resign from within his African National Congress, sought to win back support with the launch on Saturday of the party’s manifesto in Port Elizabeth, where it risks losing an important local poll.

Zuma has faced calls to resign from within the ANC since a court ruled this month that he breached the constitution by ignoring an order to repay some of the $16 million in state funds spent renovating his private home.

According to Reuters, Zuma told crowds that the ANC would do more to fight corruption, create jobs and expand access to basic services like water and electricity for millions of poor South Africans.

“A vote for the ANC is a vote for a united, non-racial, democratic, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa,” Zuma told around 40,000 supporters in Nelson Mandela Stadium, less than half the number promised.

“Compatriots, local government is in your hands. Vote ANC and together we shall build better communities,” Zuma concluded, before leading party leaders in traditional dance on stage and singing a favourite freedom anthem.

Before Zuma had even finished his speech, the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) spammed South Africans with computer-generated text messages.

“You are hearing more empty promises from a corrupt president. We need real change,” the message said.

Many South Africans are angry at corruption in the ANC and feel the liberation movement has not done enough to help lift people out of poverty since the late Nelson Mandela swept to power on a wave of optimism in 1994.

“If Madiba was still alive I would have been the first one in that stadium,” Patricia Domons, 58, told Reuters at her simple home in Port Elizabeth, using Mandela’s clan name.

“Now you find we have a president that steals, people are poor and they don’t have jobs. Our country is going down and a hell of a lot needs to change.”

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp