South Africa President Jacob Zuma’s remaining time in office is hanging by a thread as he is beleaguered on all sides with calls to resign.
Zuma has refused to step aside despite a call from 20 leaders of the dominant political party in the country, the African National Congress.
Later this week, he is scheduled to give a State of the Nation address.
His critics want him gone before the speech, so a new leader can outline a political agenda for the coming year in a fresh start.
Allegations of corruption
Zuma is tainted with allegations of corruption and poor leadership that have pushed the country to the brink of economic disaster.
His term in office is not due to end until next year. Zuma is serving his second and constitutionally last term and was ousted as the ANC leader in December.
Opposition leader Julius Malema revealed Zuma has refused to give up his power.
“He refused to resign, and he told them to take a decision to remove him if they so wish to do so because he didn’t do anything wrong to the country. He’s arguing that he complied with all legal instructions including paying back money, what more do they want from him,” he Tweeted.
Other sources have speculated that Zuma is hanging on for confirmation he and his family will be protected from prosecution.
Opposition table no-confidence motion
Many of the corruption allegations relate to Zuma spending government money to extend and refurbish his own home and claims that he has profited from a relationship with a wealthy family who critics say were awarded lucrative contracts.
Besides the talks to eject Zuma, the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EEF) have tabled a motion in Parliament for a vote of no-confidence that would likely topple his government if successful.
Zuma has triggered protests on the streets and a split in the ANC, but most voters believe his days are numbered as head of government.
His likely successor would be Cyril Ramaphosa, Zuma’s former deputy and now leader of the ANC. He was appointed on an anti-corruption platform but served as Zuma’s right-hand man for several years.
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