Jacob Zuma Eyes Political Comeback as Ramaphosa’s Leadership Crumbles

by Hope Ngobeni

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Former President Jacob Zuma is quietly plotting a political comeback, sensing an opportunity as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership appears increasingly ineffective. Zuma is reportedly biding his time, waiting for the government of national unity (GNU) to fail, at which point he plans to reclaim power within both the South African government and the African National Congress (ANC). While both leaders have espoused the idea of ANC renewal, experts argue that their efforts are futile, as the party is perceived to be beyond repair. Zuma’s strategy is to capitalize on Ramaphosa’s inability to unite the ANC, positioning himself as the man who can restore the party to its former strength.

University of KwaZulu-Natal political lecturer Zakhele Ndlovu is highly critical of Ramaphosa’s leadership. He believes that Ramaphosa’s rhetoric has been empty, with little to show in terms of real change or action. Despite grand promises to renew and unite the ANC, the party remains deeply divided under his watch. Ndlovu suggests that Ramaphosa’s failure to deliver on these promises has only further disillusioned supporters, leaving the ANC increasingly vulnerable to internal and external challenges. This failure to act, Ndlovu argues, has effectively allowed Zuma to revive his political ambitions.

On the other hand, Zuma’s own plans for ANC renewal are seen as unlikely to succeed. Insiders have hinted that Zuma is aiming to weaken the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) by merging them with his newly-formed political movement, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). The goal, it is said, is to ultimately create a new political entity, effectively re-establishing the original ANC that Zuma once led. However, Ndlovu dismisses this as a “nonsensical” and unrealistic strategy, arguing that Zuma’s focus should be on building his own political platform and preparing for the 2026 local elections. He also criticizes Zuma’s attempt to reinvent himself after his disastrous tenure as both ANC leader and president of the country, accusing him of refusing to accept his fall from grace.

Zuma’s attempts at political resurrection are further complicated by his legacy, which remains tainted by widespread corruption and state capture. Ndlovu points out that Zuma’s leadership was responsible for looting state resources, which ultimately led to his downfall. His bitterness and inability to accept that he is no longer a significant figure in South African politics have led to his formation of MK, a party that many believe is a futile attempt to regain political relevance. “Zuma needs to go home and spend time with his grandchildren,” Ndlovu concludes, calling for him to relinquish his political ambitions.

In contrast, Ramaphosa has also been a source of disappointment for many, including political analysts. Daniel Silke, a political economy expert, explains that Zuma sees himself as still belonging to the ANC, despite his removal from power. Zuma views Ramaphosa’s presidency as illegitimate, believing that Ramaphosa played a central role in his ousting. As a result, Zuma is working to delegitimize the GNU, hoping that internal divisions within the ANC will intensify, giving him an opportunity to reclaim power. He is betting that the tensions between ANC factions, particularly the growing opposition to the ANC-DA alliance, will create the conditions for his return to prominence.

For now, Zuma seems to be playing a waiting game, carefully watching as the ANC’s internal strife deepens. He is hoping that the failure of the GNU will weaken Ramaphosa’s position, while his own political machinations in KwaZulu-Natal will restore his influence in that region. Silke describes Zuma’s actions as a “game of political chess,” with each move calculated to outmaneuver Ramaphosa and exploit any cracks in the ANC’s unity. Whether Zuma can successfully orchestrate his political return remains uncertain, but it’s clear that he is positioning himself for a potential power struggle, should the ANC’s current leadership falter further.

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