South Africa gets a New President

Why in news?

‘Cyril Ramaphosa’ has replaced ‘Jacob Zuma’ as President of South Africa due to pressure from within the ruling, “African National Congress” (ANC) party.

How did Mr. Zuma’s tenure fare?

• The President of South Africa is elected by the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, and is usually the leader of the largest party.
• In May 2014, Jacob Zuma was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of South Africa for his second term in office.
• During his entire tenure, 75-year-old Mr. Zuma had survived 8 non-confidence motions and was even nicknamed “Teflon president”, for his resilience.
• But pressure from within his own party saw him peeve within weeks, which ultimately ended his nine-year-long scandal hit tenure.
• Allegations and charges of fraud, money laundering and racketeering, had marred his and his party’s reputation over the years.   
• The growing pressure on Mr. Zuma was reflected on his close acquaintances like the India-born Gupta brothers, whose properties were raided by officials.
• The Gupta brother trio, whose business interests range from mining to media and technology, are accused of having made illegal gains with Zuma’s help.
•  The allegations include - “state capture” by possessing inside information, influencing ministerial appointments and swinging big state contracts.

What forced Mr. Zuma’s ouster? 

• The unseating of Mr. Zuma has come at a time when ANC’s popularity is at an all time low since the anti-apartheid struggle (which it led).
• It is also significant to note that the general elections are slated for 2019, which the ANC will have to face with a very poor track record. 
• Significantly, South Africa is now characterised by high levels of inequality and corruption and a flagging economy, with 30% unemployment and low growth.

How does the future look?

• New president - Mr. Ramaphosa is a veteran reformist, who was previously a trade union leader, and a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement.
• He was also a close associate of Nelson Mandela and led the effort to draft the country’s new constitution in 1994.
• As ANC chose ‘Thabo Mbeki’ to succeed Mandela in 1999, Mr. Ramaphosa’s presidential ambitions were dashed and he moved on to focus on his business.
• He subsequently emerged as one of South Africa’s wealthiest businessmen and in December 2017, he successfully contested for presidency of the ANC.
• The Agenda - Mr. Ramaphosa has spoken of a new direction for the country and envisions prioritising the economy.
• His rich experience due to his background in politics and business, gives reason to be optimistic about South Africa.   
• However, whether and to what extent the new leadership will allow the law to independently take its course with regard to Mr. Zuma remains to be seen.

Source: The Hindu