Categories: News

The Political Resurgence: Jacob Zuma’s Aspiration to Resume Presidency

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has voiced his intention to return to the presidency, but he faces legal obstacles as the country’s constitution only allows for two terms. Zuma has formed alliances with other parties and has received support from influential figures, but his potential re-entry into politics remains uncertain. The news has sparked hope among rural residents grappling with a severe power crisis, but whether Zuma’s aspirations will become reality or remain a distant dream remains to be seen.

Can Jacob Zuma return to the presidency in South Africa?
Jacob Zuma’s aspirations to return to the presidency in South Africa face a significant legal obstacle. According to the country’s constitution, a person cannot hold the presidency for more than two terms. Zuma has completed two full terms already. However, he has formed alliances with other parties and has garnered support from influential figures in his bid to return to power.

Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s former president, has recently vocalized his intention to return to the presidency, causing a significant stir in the country’s political landscape. This revelation was made public during a prayer service at the Nazareth Baptist Church in Ndwendwe, a region located in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The news, initially reported by Eyewitness News, has sparked a wave of hope amongst rural residents who are grappling with a severe power crisis known as ‘load-shedding’, and lack alternative energy resources.

Zuma, feeling his term was prematurely terminated, carries the conviction that his untimely exit impeded him from adequately addressing the struggles of the impoverished. During the prayer service, he conveyed his eagerness to revisit and resolve these persisting issues on his return to office. He said, “My early exit was due to my endeavors to bring about meaningful change in people’s lives.”

Legal Impediments and Political Alliances

However, Zuma’s ambitions to reclaim the presidency face potential legal roadblocks. According to section 88(2) of the South African Constitution, a person cannot hold the position of president for more than two terms. This regulation disallows a president to serve two successive terms, take a five-year break, and then return for another decade-long term. This approach, often referred to as the ‘Putin option’, isn’t viable for a South African president who has already completed two full terms. This legal constraint poses a significant challenge to the realization of Zuma’s aspirations.

Zuma’s comeback bid, however, is fortified by the support of influential figures such as Ace Magashule, the former ANC Secretary-General. The African Congress for Transformation (ACT), led by Magashule, has teamed up with the MK, which is supported by Zuma, and other parties sharing similar philosophies. They are collectively preparing for the 2024 general elections. Magashule, inspired by Zuma’s previous leadership, particularly in the spheres of free quality education and rural development, views this alliance as a catalyst for positive change in South Africa.

Zuma’s Legacy and Support

Magashule speaks highly of Zuma’s presidency, crediting him for significant advancements that occurred during his tenure. He lauds Zuma for implementing long-term planning via Vision2030, and for prioritizing the expansion of the rural economy. Dismissing any suggestions of his term being ‘wasted years’, Magashule stated, “Zuma was one of the best presidents.”

In addition to Magashule, Zuma’s comeback bid has garnered support from other influential figures such as the ANC’s first Deputy Secretary-General, Nomvula Mokonyane. She defended Zuma’s right to freedom of association and commended his leadership in the ANC. However, it is worth noting that both Zuma and Mokonyane were implicated in the Bosasa scandal during the State Capture Commission of Inquiry.

The Future of South African Politics

The news of Zuma’s potential re-entry into the political arena has undeniably provoked a flurry of anticipation, curiosity, and conjecture. With the forthcoming 2024 general elections, whether Zuma’s political aspirations will transform into substantial action or dissolve as an unrealized vision remains uncertain.

Zuma’s expressed desire to return to the presidency, his potential legal hurdles, the alliances he has formed, and the support he has garnered from high-ranking political figures create a compelling narrative for the future of South Africa’s politics. As the country inches closer to the 2024 general elections, the political scene promises to be riveting and unpredictable. Will Zuma’s aspirations translate into a triumphant return, or will they remain a distant dream? Only time will tell.

1. Can Jacob Zuma return to the presidency in South Africa?

Jacob Zuma’s aspirations to return to the presidency in South Africa face a significant legal obstacle. According to the country’s constitution, a person cannot hold the presidency for more than two terms. Zuma has completed two full terms already. However, he has formed alliances with other parties and has garnered support from influential figures in his bid to return to power.

2. What is the ‘Putin option’?

The ‘Putin option’ refers to the approach of serving two successive terms, taking a five-year break, and then returning for another decade-long term. This approach is not viable for a South African president who has already completed two full terms, as per South Africa’s constitution.

3. Who supports Jacob Zuma’s comeback bid?

Jacob Zuma’s comeback bid is supported by influential figures such as Ace Magashule, the former ANC Secretary-General, and the African Congress for Transformation (ACT). The MK, which is supported by Zuma, and other parties sharing similar philosophies, are collectively preparing for the 2024 general elections.

4. What are some of the legal roadblocks that Jacob Zuma faces?

Section 88(2) of the South African Constitution disallows a president to serve two successive terms, take a five-year break, and then return for another decade-long term. This legal constraint poses a significant challenge to the realization of Zuma’s aspirations.

5. What is the Bosasa scandal?

Both Zuma and Nomvula Mokonyane were implicated in the Bosasa scandal during the State Capture Commission of Inquiry. Bosasa was a company that secured lucrative government contracts through bribes and corruption.