South Africans may have forgotten their popcorn ahead of Wednesday’s vote. By the time the last vote was cast, the 2024 elections had shaped up like a reality TV show we never expected.
Jacob Zuma, the prodigal former president, was back with a vengeance, ready to challenge his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa. It was a political showdown for the ages.
Zuma is the man, the myth, and the legend. After a presidency filled with more plot twists than a telenovela, Zuma was back.
Symbol of resistance against the ruling elite
From 2009 to 2018, he served as the commander-in-chief of corruption, according to his critics. He led South Africa through economic stagnation and enough scandals to keep Netflix documentary producers busy for a decade.
But hey, all he needed was charisma. Throw in a fanbase that saw him as the ultimate symbol of resistance against the ruling elite.
Ramaphosa, the current president, has had a rough ride since taking office in 2018. His backers say he inherited not just a struggling economy. He inherited the Herculean task of cleaning up the mess left by — you guessed it — Jacob Zuma.
As if that wasn’t enough, Ramaphosa battled resistance from various factions within the governing ANC party.
As the 2024 elections drew to a close, the political face-off between Zuma and Ramaphosa heated up faster than a microwave burrito.
Zuma on his way back
Zuma had already dropped enough hints about his potential presidential bid to make it clear. He was aiming for a comeback. The Constitutional Court said: “No”. But it’s not like he cared.
In his mind, he pictured it. Zuma, the comeback kid, challenging Ramaphosa’s leadership. Not just within the ANC, but across the entire nation.
Let’s get real for a moment. Jacob Zuma has somehow regained some power. This means Ramaphosa has gotten weaker.
On the flip side, if Ramaphosa manages to hold onto his seat, it would secure his leadership. It will also keep the slow, painful process of economic and political transformation chugging along.
But even then, his ANC colleagues in the top brass would be impatient to see his back sooner than later. Unless he voluntarily jumps.
Showdown was the main event
South Africa ought to have buckled up. The 2024 elections set a defining moment in our political landscape. And the Zuma vs. Ramaphosa showdown was the main event.
As the election dust settles, both politicians will probably do everything short of a stand-up comedy routine. Just to continue being relevant. Stay tuned, dear reader.
