The new leader of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa called for unity on amid increasingly polarised opinion over President Jacob Zuma future.
There is widespread speculation that Ramaphosa and his allies are encouraging ANC members to oust Zuma as head of state without further delay. However, publicly Ramaphosa as deputy president, positions himself as Zuma ally.
Markets have rallied since Ramaphosa narrowly defeated Zuma’s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in an ANC leadership contest the end of 2017 as investors believe he will tackle rampant political corruption and implement economic reforms.
Zuma’s term doesn’t officially end until 2019 when national elections will be held but he could be removed early through a motion of no confidence in parliament or at meeting of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC). The NEC will meet this week.