Ruling ANC crafting embattled Zuma's exit

Embattled South African president, Jacob Zuma, is willing to step down in order to save ruling Africa National Congress’s (ANC) integrity.

According to media reports, senior ANC members have been secretly working on an exit strategy for the president who has been entangled in public scandals over the Guptas, the constitutional court ruling on the upgrade of his Nkandla home and a high court judgement over his corruption charges that were dropped by the country’s National Prosecuting Authority.

The unidentified ANC leaders added that those crafting Zuma’s exit needed to “buy time and only act after the elections”. They said they were giving Zuma a “long rope to hang himself”.

However, the leaders are divided as some want him to leave immediately while others want him to say in power.

Zuma is facing in-house opposition as many ANC grass root members have been vocal about their wish for the president leave office.

Jacob Zuma has been “willing” to step down for so long that we are now also tired of willing to hear him willing to step down.

— Public Protester (@Pasco_e) May 13, 2016

Several leaders, including anti-apartheid stalwart Ahmed Khathrada, have called for the president to step down

A report will be presented to the ruling party’s executive committee in a fortnight with recommendations on the fate of Zuma and the party going forward.

Agencies