South African president Zuma to remain in office despite mounting pressure on resignation

As pressure continues to mount on South African President Jacob Zuma to step down following a scathing constitutional court judgement against him, analysts say he is likely to continue as president because he enjoys much support within the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

On Thursday, the Constitutional Court ruled that Zuma violated the Constitution by not paying the money spent on non-security upgrades at his private home as recommended by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

South African opposition parties have vowed to do all within their power to ensure that Zuma is removed from office.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane said his party wants Zuma impeached.

"President Zuma must be removed from office. He has failed to defend the Constitution of the republic. We have filed a motion to impeach President Zuma. We believe action must be taken," Maimane said.

"At the upcoming local elections South Africans must come out and say it cannot be President Zuma alone but that it was the fault of the entire ANC. We need a constitutional order that is functional and a country that will take us forward," Maimane said.

Congress of the People leader Mousia Lekota is also calling for Zuma to go, saying that "Urgent action needs to be taken. We cannot continue running our country with an individual who has broken his oath of office."

But analysts say it is only Parliament that has the power to remove Zuma. However, they say the ANC will use their majority in Parliament to protect Zuma and make sure he remains in office.

For the impeachment motion to succeed, it requires a two-thirds majority. This will be out of the reach of the opposition.

The ANC Women's League has already come out in full support of Zuma.

"We have learnt lessons from the judgement and wish to state it equivocally, unambiguously and categorically clear that we firmly stand behind the ANC President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, who even before the ruling, indicated his preparedness to pay in accordance with the Public Protector's recommendations," the league said in a statement.

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) also threw its weight behind Zuma, saying it does not believe that Zuma should step down because the Constitutional Court did not say the president must step down.

"It's not as if this thing can be corrected because the president himself said he was willing to pay for the upgrades," ANCYL Secretary General Njabulo Nzuza said.

Political analyst Levy Ndou said there is only one reason why the ANC is likely to support Zuma even when it is very difficult to do so.

"If they come out clearly and say the state president has breached his oath of office, that will provide sufficient grounds for Parliament to move for a motion of no confidence on the state president," Ndou said.

However, Professor Lesiba Teffo from Trans Disciplinary Research Institute at the University of South Africa, said Zuma has put the ANC in a very difficult position.

He said, "I am one of those who think it will be difficult for him to survive this one. If he does, he will go down ultimately with the ANC."

Ordinary South Africans have also rallied behind those calling for Zuma to be removed.

Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the ANC after the party said it will give further reaction after studying the judgment.

The ANC reaffirmed its full confidence in the judiciary and the upholding rule of law in South Africa.

"Given the serious nature of the judgement delivered, the African National Congress will study it in detail and comment further in due course," ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said.

Source: XINHUA