After spending much of 2018 in the dark corners of the internet zeitgeist, and with ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa seemingly grabbing all the headlines, South African President Jacob Zuma is once again the talk of the country.
After the State of the Nation Address was postponed indefinitely (it was due to take place in Cape Town today) on Tuesday, rumours were abound that the ANC was intent on removing Zuma from power.
No ad to show here.
According to Ramaphosa, talks between the two are still ongoing, but the country has scant idea of what they’re talking about.
SA, News agencies and the rest of the world trying to figure out the situation behind #NEC #ZumaExit #SONA2018 . pic.twitter.com/rylkSvaGyo
— mzwakhe (@mzwakhembhele) February 7, 2018
But a few others just couldn’t wait to celebrate, popping the champagne well before the final whistle had been blown.
#ZumaIsGoneParty began trending Tuesday, with some convinced that the postponement of SONA signalled the demise of Zuma’s reign.
Just getting ready.
Where are we vibing once he resigns?
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) February 6, 2018
It wasn’t taken toooo seriously though.
Guys where should I deliver this??? #ZumaIsGoneParty #SONA2018 pic.twitter.com/66GEe6xB5I
— I am a big deal (@dj4tune_m) February 6, 2018
The dance floor is gonna be lit, we are ready
#ZumaIsGoneParty pic.twitter.com/JI3cDW7Zs2 — Ama (@Amentious) February 6, 2018
We will be doing the impossible #ZumaIsGoneParty pic.twitter.com/C2jGF9E83I
— Kgetiz (@011GP) February 6, 2018
#ZumaExit, and the more amusing #Zexit both trended this week, along with a number of related hashtags, including #BalekaMbete, #SONA, #SONA2018 and #ANCNEC.
The former continues to trend at the time of writing as news slowly trickles from Parliament and the Presidency.
Politicians react to SONA postponement, possible Zuma exit
Elsewhere in South Africa, opposition party members have taken to the social network to announce their party guestlist air their opinions regarding the postponement of SONA, and the ANC’s plans regarding Zuma.
“The longer this drags on the weaker it makes Ramaphosa look,” DA chief whip John Steenhuisen tweeted.
The longer this drags on the weaker it makes Ramaphosa look. Mbeki was gone in hours but it looks like Zuma is holding the cards in this process…. https://t.co/kIH3hssVZe
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) February 8, 2018
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi retweeted EFF leader Julius Malema’s call for “revolution”.
“[D]on’t be a Twitter activist, or desktop activist, neither should you stand on the sidelines; let’s occupy streets,” he wrote.
The CIC has spoken! #ZumaMustFallMarch loading… don’t be a Twitter activist, or desktop activist, neither should you stand on the sidelines; let’s occupy streets. #NationalShutdown! https://t.co/E3ByMuiHP4
— IG: @MbuyiseniNdlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) February 7, 2018
Cyril Ramaphosa, however, issued the following statement:
“This is a challenging time for our country. Both President Zuma and myself are aware that our people want and deserve closure. The constructive process we have embarked on offers the greatest opportunity to conclude this matter without discord or division.
“Throughout this process, I am guided by the principle that the interests and needs of the South African people are paramount.”
This is a challenging time for our country. Both President Zuma and myself are aware that our people want and deserve closure. The constructive process we have embarked on offers the greatest opportunity to conclude this matter without discord or division.
— Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 7, 2018
Throughout this process, I am guided by the principle that the interests and needs of the South African people are paramount.
— Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 7, 2018
We haven’t put the champagne on ice just yet.
Feature image: GovernmentZA via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
