Daily Maverick
Dailymaverick logo

South Africa

This article is more than a year old

South Africa

Violence & Threats, Inc: Zuma may have overplayed his violent hand

The apparent threat by MK leader, former president Jacob Zuma, against the Electoral Commission is inherently about violence. However, he is also daring all the other role players, and most of the country, insisting they bend to his will. This may turn out to be over-reach, and make any kind of working relationship with the ANC impossible.
Violence & Threats, Inc: Zuma may have overplayed his violent hand There could be no doubt of the air of violence in Zuma’s comments on Saturday night. In his first public comments since the election, he claimed, “The results are not correct … results should not be declared. If you’re declaring, you’re provoking us. Don’t start trouble … there’s nobody who is going to die if we do not announce tomorrow … nobody is going to announce tomorrow.” Read more in Daily Maverick: Elections Dashboard Coming from someone who has still refused to disavow the violence that followed his brief imprisonment in July 2021, it is crystal clear what he is referring to. [caption id="attachment_2212437" align="alignnone" width="720"]violence zuma iec uMkhonto Wesizwe party leader Jacob Zuma arrives at the IEC National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on 1 June 2024.(Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)[/caption] However, there was simply no possibility of the IEC and other role-players accepting this. First, despite multiple encouragements from the media on Saturday night, MK has still given no proof or evidence whatsoever about significant problems with the election. Without evidence, no reasonable person can take this seriously. Second, while Zuma might say “nobody is going to die if we do not announce tomorrow”, he would simply keep repeating this as time wore on. If someone threatens violence “if you do this tomorrow”, they will always threaten violence, no matter when you do it. The IEC had no choice but to go ahead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99E_Ox8TZ5w   Also, the law is clear, the election results must be proclaimed quickly – the democratic process of South Africa has to be respected. If there is a delay between the counting and the publication of the results, there would be fears that the results are being manipulated. History shows that in cases where there is violence after an election, it is often because of fears the election is being stolen. These fears are usually sparked when election results are delayed, or their publication abruptly stopped. To delay the publication of the results would be to stoke these fears.

Minority party

But perhaps the most important reason nobody can give in to Zuma’s threats is that he is the leader of a minority party. He won 14.59% of the vote and will probably govern in KwaZulu-Natal. Fully 85% of the country voted for other parties. Those parties have a right to know the results and to have their opportunity to govern.  Not unlike Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, Zuma is daring the country to accept his will, or else – “else” being a not-so-subtle threat of violence. Zuma, of course, is clearly aware of this, which is why other tiny parties were given a chance to speak at his press conference. These parties, like Ace Magashule’s ACT (total votes: 18,339 or 0.11%, or Colleen Makhubele’s SARA (total votes: 4,785 or 0.03%) have no support. Singly or together, they mean absolutely nothing, and should be ignored. It may also in fact place someone like EFF leader Julius Malema in a complicated position. [caption id="attachment_2211957" align="alignnone" width="720"]violence zuma malema iec From left, the EFF’s Marshal Dlamini, leader Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu at the IEC Results Operation Centre in Midrand on 01 June 2024. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)[/caption] When he voted on Wednesday, he said that he believed the elections would be free and fair. As the party most likely to work with MK he may now find this to be a complication. He can’t say he trusted the process and then work with a party that is trying to undermine that same process. Zuma’s actions are simply not democratic, and he may have overplayed his hand, to the delight of his opponents.

Ramaphosa’s hand strengthened?

In itself, his ridiculous show on Saturday may have strengthened the hand of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the ANC, who now has a right to say that the role of the ANC now is to ensure there is the rule of law, and that it must find coalition parties who are contributing, not detracting from that function. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s comments in his press conference on Sunday that “we must stand together against the threat of violence and instability” may well be a sign that it is now impossible for the ANC to work with Zuma. His other comment, that the ANC “will not turn its back on renewal” may also be a signal in this direction, as his statement that parties who come with the condition that Ramaphosa resign can “forget it”. All this may well put national government out of the MK’s reach.

Political tensions

Unfortunately, this also increases the chances of political tensions rising. If the ANC now decides to work with the DA or other like-minded parties in a “grand national coalition” and keeps MK out of power (particularly in the unlikely chance these parties all work together in KZN), there could be some kind of response. Based on Zuma’s previous track record, the use of violence is never too far from reality. His consistent attacks on the IEC have all been building to this point. [caption id="attachment_2211329" align="alignnone" width="720"]violence zuma iec Party agents and IEC staff at the IEC Results Operation Centre in Midrand on 1 June 2024. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)[/caption] However, one of the reasons the violence in 2021 was so destructive and went on for so long, was that the police and other authorities were not prepared, for a variety of reasons. One of the key elements of those incidents was the shocking scale and brutality that played out in front of the nation. This time around, police said consistently they were prepared for these elections and would keep officers deployed in KZN for a period after the elections. It appears likely that the most important moment, should there be any violence, would be at its very beginning. If police officers can act to contain it quickly, that might well prevent other incidents. In other words, the faster they act, the less likely it will be that any violence will spread. While this might be a very difficult time, it should not be forgotten that MK and Zuma were rejected by 85% of voters. This could be the great strength of Zuma’s opponents – while he has managed to cleave off a big constituency in a short time, theirs is still far greater. This may play an important limiting role should any incidents occur. Unfortunately, this will now be an important factor in the coalition discussions. Instead of rationality, there will be fear, which could lead to impaired decision-making.  This is exactly what Zuma wants. After the decades of Stalingrad, fear and chaos are now the point. DM  

Election quick links
Stephen Grootes
By Stephen Grootes
2 Jun 2024
Facebook
63

There could be no doubt of the air of violence in Zuma’s comments on Saturday night.

In his first public comments since the election, he claimed, “The results are not correct … results should not be declared. If you’re declaring, you’re provoking us. Don’t start trouble … there’s nobody who is going to die if we do not announce tomorrow … nobody is going to announce tomorrow.”

Read more in Daily Maverick: Elections Dashboard

Coming from someone who has still refused to disavow the violence that followed his brief imprisonment in July 2021, it is crystal clear what he is referring to.

violence zuma iec uMkhonto Wesizwe party leader Jacob Zuma arrives at the IEC National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on 1 June 2024.(Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)



However, there was simply no possibility of the IEC and other role-players accepting this.

First, despite multiple encouragements from the media on Saturday night, MK has still given no proof or evidence whatsoever about significant problems with the election. Without evidence, no reasonable person can take this seriously.

Second, while Zuma might say “nobody is going to die if we do not announce tomorrow”, he would simply keep repeating this as time wore on. If someone threatens violence “if you do this tomorrow”, they will always threaten violence, no matter when you do it. The IEC had no choice but to go ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99E_Ox8TZ5w

 

Also, the law is clear, the election results must be proclaimed quickly – the democratic process of South Africa has to be respected. If there is a delay between the counting and the publication of the results, there would be fears that the results are being manipulated. History shows that in cases where there is violence after an election, it is often because of fears the election is being stolen. These fears are usually sparked when election results are delayed, or their publication abruptly stopped.

To delay the publication of the results would be to stoke these fears.

Minority party


But perhaps the most important reason nobody can give in to Zuma’s threats is that he is the leader of a minority party. He won 14.59% of the vote and will probably govern in KwaZulu-Natal. Fully 85% of the country voted for other parties. Those parties have a right to know the results and to have their opportunity to govern. 

Not unlike Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, Zuma is daring the country to accept his will, or else – “else” being a not-so-subtle threat of violence.

Zuma, of course, is clearly aware of this, which is why other tiny parties were given a chance to speak at his press conference.

These parties, like Ace Magashule’s ACT (total votes: 18,339 or 0.11%, or Colleen Makhubele’s SARA (total votes: 4,785 or 0.03%) have no support. Singly or together, they mean absolutely nothing, and should be ignored.

It may also in fact place someone like EFF leader Julius Malema in a complicated position.

violence zuma malema iec From left, the EFF’s Marshal Dlamini, leader Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu at the IEC Results Operation Centre in Midrand on 01 June 2024. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)



When he voted on Wednesday, he said that he believed the elections would be free and fair. As the party most likely to work with MK he may now find this to be a complication. He can’t say he trusted the process and then work with a party that is trying to undermine that same process.

Zuma’s actions are simply not democratic, and he may have overplayed his hand, to the delight of his opponents.

Ramaphosa’s hand strengthened?


In itself, his ridiculous show on Saturday may have strengthened the hand of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the ANC, who now has a right to say that the role of the ANC now is to ensure there is the rule of law, and that it must find coalition parties who are contributing, not detracting from that function.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s comments in his press conference on Sunday that “we must stand together against the threat of violence and instability” may well be a sign that it is now impossible for the ANC to work with Zuma.

His other comment, that the ANC “will not turn its back on renewal” may also be a signal in this direction, as his statement that parties who come with the condition that Ramaphosa resign can “forget it”.

All this may well put national government out of the MK’s reach.

Political tensions


Unfortunately, this also increases the chances of political tensions rising.

If the ANC now decides to work with the DA or other like-minded parties in a “grand national coalition” and keeps MK out of power (particularly in the unlikely chance these parties all work together in KZN), there could be some kind of response.

Based on Zuma’s previous track record, the use of violence is never too far from reality. His consistent attacks on the IEC have all been building to this point.

violence zuma iec Party agents and IEC staff at the IEC Results Operation Centre in Midrand on 1 June 2024. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)



However, one of the reasons the violence in 2021 was so destructive and went on for so long, was that the police and other authorities were not prepared, for a variety of reasons. One of the key elements of those incidents was the shocking scale and brutality that played out in front of the nation.

This time around, police said consistently they were prepared for these elections and would keep officers deployed in KZN for a period after the elections.

It appears likely that the most important moment, should there be any violence, would be at its very beginning. If police officers can act to contain it quickly, that might well prevent other incidents. In other words, the faster they act, the less likely it will be that any violence will spread.

While this might be a very difficult time, it should not be forgotten that MK and Zuma were rejected by 85% of voters. This could be the great strength of Zuma’s opponents – while he has managed to cleave off a big constituency in a short time, theirs is still far greater.

This may play an important limiting role should any incidents occur.

Unfortunately, this will now be an important factor in the coalition discussions. Instead of rationality, there will be fear, which could lead to impaired decision-making. 

This is exactly what Zuma wants. After the decades of Stalingrad, fear and chaos are now the point. DM

 

Election quick links

Comments

Wendy Dewberry Jun 2, 2024, 06:24 PM

Zuma has once again, on his very first public engagement returning to public civic life, shown himself as a skollie and a destructive social thug at a time when everyone else in our country is seeking nation building, reparation, civic engagement and positive outcomes for our great nation. I hope people start to see that so clearly.

Tony Gomes Jun 3, 2024, 09:12 AM

I like the term "skollie" for Zuma. It neatly encapsulates the essence of the character.

claddagh Jun 3, 2024, 10:20 AM

2344000 People would disagree with you!

Cedric Buffler Jun 3, 2024, 10:58 AM

Obviously, 85% of the population would agree.

wpkot Jun 3, 2024, 03:02 PM

As would many of the 2344000 if riots were to start. Having gotten caught in the moment and expressing identity in a vote did not mean they signed up for anarchy, food shortages and having their community destroyed. It is no stretch to assume many were lied to and probably didn't link the 2021 nightmare to MK they now voted for.

Lebitsi Leburu Jun 4, 2024, 01:53 AM

+14 millon agree

Lebitsi Leburu Jun 4, 2024, 01:54 AM

+14 million agree

Maj.kno Jun 2, 2024, 06:34 PM

Donald Trump at least has not evaded his court cases, with endless smoke and mirrors BS buy verbal dihorea, whether her accepts the outcome or not is to me immaterial, he got his day(s) in the court, and the verdict is there. This Zuma specimen still has to get there....

Timothy Van Blerck Jun 3, 2024, 08:57 AM

I think quick google may correct your misconceptions as to the big orange's evasion tactics being any less successful than our own tribal, violence stirring populist

D'Esprit Dan Jun 3, 2024, 11:16 AM

Trump has tried - unsuccessfully - to delay all his cases until after the elections. He's probably managed to do that for a few of them, but given the liberal (teehee!) sprinkling of cases he faces, he hasn't been able to plug all the holes in the dyke.

John P Jun 2, 2024, 07:42 PM

The odds on the MK party being a significant force in the next election are very small. I wonder how many of those who voted MK believed Zuma would be in Parliament? They will be sorely disappointed.

Kenneth FAKUDE Jun 3, 2024, 12:24 AM

Correctly said John, Zuma's intentions are becoming clear he wanted to completely take the power from the ANC and continue where he left, if you remove the legal jargon MK is an ANC identity,Zuma never revoked his ANC membership for a reason, fortunately he has exposed himself driving the ANC to the DA. It is imperative that the ANC joins the DA because they will need all the help they can do to make KZN governable, otherwise that province will be a trap with a port ,borders and a financial hub. The language being used if coupled with actions will be a challenge the country might not be prepared for. The ANC holds the power and is capable of averting what we see in Sudan or any state with rebels. The ANC has a last chance not to let the country down.

Geoff Coles Jun 3, 2024, 09:32 AM

Once the Provincial Government in KZN is set up, and without MK or EFF, will there be violence?.... I suspect yes!

Alan Watkins Jun 3, 2024, 12:20 PM

I think you are right, sadly. Then it remains to be seen whether the government has the will to do anything about it. I doubt whether they will; July 2021 riots showed that. On the other hand, maybe part of their inaction in July 2021 was because there were several elections coming up. Now we are past that and they are safe, after a fashion, for the next 5 years.

Marcus Aurelius Jun 3, 2024, 02:12 PM

"The ANC has a last chance not to let the country down".- They always make the wrong choice. That is why we are here now. Zuma is the master of leverage- he can leverage that 15% into huge amounts of power, irrespective of the carnage. I am convinced he is a psychopath.

Joe Soap Jun 2, 2024, 08:07 PM

He can’t say he trusted the process and then work with a party that is trying to undermine that same process - You give Julius flip-flop too much credit. This is exactly what he does. His ideology is power.

Theo Cromhout Jun 2, 2024, 08:40 PM

The architect of state capture and leader of our 10+ lost years, Zuma, continues to show his cunning but in truth, embarrasses us a country while he makes a mockery of the system and rubs our noses in it. To what end? To keep himself out of jail? The sooner our justice system closes his tactics down and does its job, the sooner he stands trial, the better for our nation. Until then he’ll just keep on going and taking us backwards…it’s so tragic.

Malcolm McManus Jun 3, 2024, 07:28 AM

To think Cyril helped to make MK all possible by pardoning Zuma. The Irony. The good news is there is already infighting in the MK and court battles looming. In Party division weakens them. The good news is Zuma is nearing the end of his life, but for someone with a terminal illness, he seems in rather good health. Him and Shabir probably have the same sangoma.

Papa Red Jun 2, 2024, 09:02 PM

How tiresome to now once again have this loathsome oaf around for another 5 years.

Just another Comment Jun 3, 2024, 04:51 PM

If I'm not mistaken, he won't really be around because he can't serve in parliament. He's now effectively an armchair referee. His own senior party members in parliament are to start seeing him as a thorn in their sides and a pain in the ^$#% So, he'll become less relevant as time moves on.

Nic Campbell Jun 2, 2024, 09:17 PM

Zuma will run out of runway at some point. And jail beckons.

Middle aged Mike Jun 3, 2024, 08:33 AM

Don't hold your breath. The list of office bearers or the glorious liberation movement, past and present, who have gone to jail during the current regime is rather short.

Geoff Coles Jun 3, 2024, 09:34 AM

I think his bodyguards will be less than successful before long.

Fernando Moreira Jun 2, 2024, 09:34 PM

It is so sad that the ANC allowed this awful man to lead South Africa for such a long time ,his corruption and his impunity in plain sight for so long,and as we still see that a major part of the voting public with this populasim. The riots that happened in 2021 ,the destruction and deaths of over 350 people,are on his door step,and the ANC govt buckled . The NPA must do its work,and start dishing out Orange suits. I pray for this beautiful country

User Jun 3, 2024, 04:32 AM

Zuma has it again

Dave Gould Jun 3, 2024, 04:53 AM

I live in KZN and am devastated by the result. Above all I am so disappointed that nearly half of my fellow KwaZulu Natalians feel that this deeply flawed, disgusting man deserves their adoration. It almost feels like our province is cursed, perhaps it is.

Denise Smit Jun 3, 2024, 08:29 AM

Shaka Zulu territory. But you should try to work with Inkatha Freedom Party. Hlamisa is the most level headed of all the political leaders today

Stephen Paul Jun 3, 2024, 09:08 AM

I agree with you. IFP are extremely level headed and the leadership is impressive. They may be useful coallition partners.

Rama Chandra Jun 3, 2024, 10:59 AM

The IFP are level headed, but the opposite of charismatic. It is difficult to see them generating the excitement of Julius Malema or Jacob Zuma or Gayton Mackenzie. That is not a criticism, but just an observation that they will never get majority support in KZN.

Harold Porter Jun 3, 2024, 11:23 AM

Well....the heartland on traditional Zululand voted IFP....

Middle aged Mike Jun 3, 2024, 08:35 AM

I think it is Dave and the curse is that of ethno-nationalism which is surely the worst kind.

Maria Janse van Rensburg Jun 3, 2024, 07:08 AM

The most profound difference between the MK party and the ANC and EFF is that the latter parties accepted the results of the election. Both parties lost support - the ANC a lot. That shows political maturity and respect for the choices made by voters.

User Jun 3, 2024, 07:22 AM

Lock him up until the end of his miserable life. The reason he appears to be a threat is that the ANC bred, designed and propped him up for decades.

Bewe 1414 Jun 3, 2024, 07:45 AM

Kenneth mentioned something very important: the KZN port borders....something to keep an eye on.

Grumpy Old Man Jun 3, 2024, 07:49 AM

The election result is an enormous test for the ANC. Seen from a slightly different perspective it represents a split that has been coming for some time. It has put paid to the myth of ANC unity and the broad church belief. They could never continue to be 'two parties in one' What happens next is the biggest test yet in the ANC's 100 plus year history and it amounts to whose interests they put first. There is no doubt in my mind that the best thing for our Country would be a Govt of National Unity (and because working together is better than not) but that also means that our politicians are going to have to go about things in a whole new different way. I only pray the DA, in any discussions they have with the ANC, approach these in a spirit of empathy and understanding. Say what you like about the ANC but they have respected the will of the people. The next job is for us to try 'find one another' to start serving them better

Denise Smit Jun 3, 2024, 08:26 AM

What was interesting in the interview with Fikile Mbalula is that the ANC knew already last year that members of the ANC with Zuma was planning what now happened, and there were a report on it with recommendations on what to do. Again Zuma outplayed the non RET faction of the ANC Mbalula admitting this

Timothy Van Blerck Jun 3, 2024, 08:49 AM

Zuma and Trump and are peas in a pod. The question is will he trump Trump in the insurgency rankings

Pompous Dolittle Jun 3, 2024, 03:42 PM

Putin trying to flex again

trevorgray8 Jun 3, 2024, 08:52 AM

Steven highlights the essence of Zuma accurately. Remove all the noise and ask oneself one simple question. Why did the ANC allow Zuma to resurrect himself? Why did the MK name be used without a challenge till it was too late? Why did they not expel him immediately? Why did CR afford him parole? Surely the answer is that there are powerful forces that are lurking in the ANC that seek Zumaesque policy implementation and or the continuance of patronage of the Zupta Era! CR refused to cauterize this cancer 5 years ago as it would have destroyed the ANC! The same reality applies as we now face the spectrum of alliance with the very evil they condoned. The DA is therefore drinking from the poisoned chalice if choosing an alliance with this toxic party. As much as a government of national unity looks possible on paper, the Zuma poison remains flowing in the veins of the ANC!

Johan Buys Jun 3, 2024, 09:19 AM

Trevor : yes. Part one of the puzzle is how intelligence failed to pick up the MK formation. For MK to achieve what it did, it must have convinced the traditional leaders to instruct their subjects how to vote. Part two, which is ongoing, is how will the ANC know which cadres to nominate to Parliament. There must be a substantial number of “ANC” parliamentarians that are actually MK supporters.

D'Esprit Dan Jun 3, 2024, 09:20 AM

Probably naïve, I know, but perhaps this is the moment that the ANC gets to expel Zuma properly and severs all ties with him completely? It would also serve to put on notice his sympathisers within the ANC ranks. We need to remember that the clock is already ticking towards the next local government elections, in 2026. If nothing changes and the ANC carries on appeasing Zuma and not delivering services, it could be a collapse at local government level - where the gravy is tastiest - far worse than this election.

D'Esprit Dan Jun 3, 2024, 09:10 AM

A couple of points, Stephen: just because parties secured very few votes doesn't mean they should be flatly ignored by the process (we as citizens and voters have already flatly ignored them). Let them be heard, but if they have no evidence - real, proper evidence - they should be heavily fined for wasting everyone's time and our money. Secondly, Julius Malema will have absolutely no problem in ignoring his own words that the elections were okay, because he routinely changes his stance if he sees political advantage: "We'll die for Zuma!" followed by "Pay back the money! Zuma must resign!", followed by "Ah, thank you uBaba - I take two sugars in my tea." Malema has zero integrity and will do whatever he can to get his hands on power and access to money.

Middle aged Mike Jun 3, 2024, 11:35 AM

"they should be heavily fined for wasting everyone’s time and our money." If shoulds were woulds safferland wouldn't be in the parlous state it is. There isn't a single office bearer in the ANC, EFF or MK who is in the the game for any reason other than gravy slurping. That isn't changing any time soon and they will cooperate to ensure that the gravy pumps keep running regardless of the consequences just as the ANC and EFF did in joburg

bafanak Jun 3, 2024, 01:59 PM

1. It’s incorrect to categorise all members of the ANC as corrupt but I’ll grant you your assumption because the party has done terribly as custodian of the aspirations and hopes of ordinary SAns who trusted it (Zamani Saul, Mdumiseni Ntuli; Jomo Sibiya and many others have proven themselves to still be committed to the historical mission of the ANC) 2. I suspect you meant the DA/EFF/IFP tie up in Johannesburg, Herman Mashabane concluded a Faustian pact that allowed the EFF to loot the COJ while turning a blind eye to the IFP filling the JRA board with their appointees so they could drive out the CEO and loot. Given the ANC’s egregious crimes, it’s easy to cast the DA as angels…look closer

Middle aged Mike Jun 3, 2024, 02:22 PM

1. Fair enough, no sample of people can be 100% bad but that is a very short list even if it accurately characterises them. There are literally hundreds in the Zondo report alone that make them a very rare exception to the rule. 2. I'm referring to the deal we are currently suffering the consequences of, namely the one that had the anc and eff foist that sock puppet muppet Gwamanda on us. The deterioration of the city is accelerating rapidly as is the rate of plunder. The deal done while Mashaba was mayor was a massive stain on the DA and I'd hope that they learned a lot from it. There are no angels, only people who are less worse than others. You will have a very hard time finding any comment of mine engaging in any kind of hero worship of the DA. They are however quite clearly the very least worst option based on their long term conduct in the parts of the country where they govern.

Geoff Coles Jun 3, 2024, 09:29 AM

Zuma is a corrupt vindictive thug of 82..... not long to go then until it ends. But too, if MK don't get control of KZN, will there be violence

Ivan van Heerden Jun 3, 2024, 10:42 AM

In KZN the parties must form an alliance against the forces of evil (MK) then the army needs to be deployed to put down any violence, hard. Zuma needs to be taught once and for all that he is not above the law. For too long South Africa has tiptoed around this wannabe Idi Amin and his rubbish offspring.

Middle aged Mike Jun 3, 2024, 11:38 AM

Neither the army nor SAPS are capable of putting down anything. Remember Zuma's last little insurrection? How did you rate the performance of either of them then? What if anything do you imagine has changed to make them any more useful in the interim?

Ken Randell Jun 3, 2024, 11:58 AM

A vile leader of a vile party with only self-interest at heart and zero concern for the South African citizenry and constitution.

Alan Watkins Jun 3, 2024, 12:15 PM

Colleen Makhubele’s SARA (total votes: 4,785 or 0.03%) was particularly amusing for me as an example of someone who really has not read the room, and an example of how pathetically inappropriate is the requirement for new parties to obtain signatures before the IEC will register them. Colleen was interviewed bemoaning the low support for her party and said that her party obtained 120 000 signatures before registration. I did not catch the full interview but I think she intimated that, on the back of the 120 000 signatures, she expected a significant multiple of that in votes. Say 360 000 to 480 000 votes? But she only got 4785 !!!

chessf Jun 3, 2024, 12:35 PM

Coalitions between the wrong parties are disasterous. Ask the residents of George or Gqeberha. MK is a predominantly a tribal/Zulu party. The ANC is mainly for black voters. The EFF is a populist party for the uninformed. The PA is mainly for coloured voters. The so-called popcorn parties are perhaps cult/personality parties appealing to local communities only. The DA is the only party truly representative of the total population. Let's draw a line and move forward. A coalition between the DA and the ANC, two centrist parties, would, I aver be the best solution in terms of stability and progress, and could be a good start to undo all the damage of Zuma's destructive 15 year reign.

langeraa Jun 3, 2024, 01:07 PM

You give Zuma too much credit by saying he cant work with the anc because of etc. This man will always choose the path of expediency, he has no morals or ethics. He will side with anyone, where he can steal more money.

Odirile Moalafi Jun 3, 2024, 02:46 PM

The ANC didn't manage to rid itself of Zuma and heal the country from everything he represents. But Zuma going on to flush himself out of the party and force the ANC and DA closer to each other may herald the kind of "new dawn" that Remaphosa may have not quite intended, but one the country sorely needs, and the nation may (hopefully) gladly welcome.

Andre Swart Jun 3, 2024, 02:51 PM

Zuma violently grabbed the president's chair in Polokwane when he lifted Mbeki with the support of his Zulu tribalists. Then he used his political power to betray SA with the help of the Guptas. Since Zuma was deposed by the ANC he has been planning a violent 'power grab' through acts of sabotage of SOE's, riots, burning of parliament and instigation of insurrection. With the MK stunt he revealed his true intentions but he also exposed his undercover agents within the ANC. The MK split off in the ANC rid the ANC of the RET morons ... leaving the 'New Dawn'ers' behind in the ANC. This 'split' is a 'blessing in disguise' for the modern, free market faction in the ANC. The split 'sanitized' the remaining ANC of the communist ideologists, state capturers, and blood thirsty Zulu tribalists. The remaining New Dawn ANC, is much more compatible with FREE MARKET countries and locally, with the DA+ MPC. The ANC split is GOOD for a prosperous SA in future.

sbuyanitp9 Jun 3, 2024, 02:53 PM

No one is interested in violence and Zuma's threats shouldn't be entertained and law enforcement should promptly act. As for a coalition between the EFF and MK and other progressive parties, that should be welcomed. It's high time this democracy translate to freedom and benefit the black people. Beneficiaries of apartheid are still enjoying their benefits plus the benefits of freedom. That can't be right. The coalition should ensure that we unapologetically steer the country towards balancing the economic benefits enjoyed by the whites (likes of Grootes and Inc.) and black people. If white people leave the country in their numbers, so be it, but this inequality generated by apartheid can't be left as is, unless we embracing apartheid beyond its long expired date. Economic Freedom in our Lifetime is the ultimate goal. Nothing the likes of Grootes and Inc. writes will discourage us. Alita continua, Amandla!

Middle aged Mike Jun 3, 2024, 04:04 PM

"Economic Freedom in our Lifetime is the ultimate goal." You'll want a bit of economic growth for that to be a possibility, whatever the wishy washy slogan actually means. The horses you back are as likely to bring you that as is the easter bunny.

Joe Irwin Jun 3, 2024, 07:53 PM

That hit the nail on the head Mike. You can't have one without the other.

welmanicolson Jun 3, 2024, 06:00 PM

No man Thulani, move forward and join the DA, rainbow nation!

wpkot Jun 3, 2024, 02:55 PM

If violence starts and food shortages emerge, rural people in KZN who will be the biggest sufferers, will have little trouble linking it to the party they had just voted for. If many voted MK as an expression of identity, transferring the reasons they had voted IFP many years before, rather than inherent support for anarchism, this would backfire. They would not recognise this as what they had signed up for. I'll give a compliment where it's due, it was well played from Ramaphosa to acknowledge the threat, and go ahead regardless. But if Zuma lost this round, he may not rest. But as for the analysis part of the EFF having to change their tune on deeming the election free and fare. Inconsistency has never bothered them before. They were the first party to give state capture and the Gupta influence a name, perhaps due to some info they were privy to. They were the biggest anti-Zuma campaigners. But they've long ago changed that tune to become his friends, and did not feel in the least bit compelled to explain that. Changing tune now on the subject of the deemed fairness of the election will not be bothersome to them in the least.

Cheryl Siewierski Jun 3, 2024, 03:29 PM

Some brilliant subbing here: that 'torn' image of Zuma at first glance looks remarkably crocodile-ish ??

Right Foot Jun 3, 2024, 05:45 PM

Can someone from the media please explain why it has an infatuation with JZ?. He only has to blink his eyes and we have a 10 page analysis. Are there no other politicians with something newsworthy to say?

Michael Ash Jun 3, 2024, 05:54 PM

Zuma and his GRU masters will do all they can to regain as much power as possible. He is an agent of the Soviet Union and Putin, he is sponsored and financially supported by the distasteful and corrupt political influence wielded by the Soviets and hence believes himself untouchable. Return him to jail and prosecute the arms issue in haste.

polisciguy1 Jun 3, 2024, 08:02 PM

Our great country has such great potential. We need an effective, responsible government that can reduce inequality and eliminate load shedding! Do you think an ANC/DA coalition might be possible?