South African opposition calls for Zuma's resignation

By Shu’eib Hassen

CAPE TOWN, South Africa

President Jacob Zuma came under renewed attack in South Africa’s parliament on Tuesday, with an opposition leader accusing him of living on “Planet Zuma… far, far away from the lives of ordinary South Africans.”

In a debate on Zuma’s State of the Nation address last week, which saw two opposition parties storm out of the National Assembly, Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane said: “Last week, while razor wire was going up around parliament and stun grenades were dispersing the crowds, the president was tucked safely away, somewhere on Planet Zuma.”

Last week’s address saw Zuma heckled in parliament as a string of scandals stack up around the African National Congress (ANC) president.

He has recently been forced to pay back some of the millions spent on upgrading his private country retreat and he faces possible impeachment over the case.

In recent months the country has seen nationwide protests from students and derision over the appointment of three finance ministers within the space of three days - leading to the widespread motto “Zuma Must Fall” appearing on social media and the sides of buildings.

ANC lawmakers tried to defend the president on Tuesday as Maimane accused him of being “out of touch with the people” and “not an honorable man”.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Haydn Davies reiterated the president’s nine-point plan for economic revival but was interrupted by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) lawmakers calling for a comment on the unemployment crisis facing the country.

EFF leader Julius Malema called for Zuma’s immediate removal from office.

In a statement, the ANC attacked the “blatant dereliction of duty for some opposition MPs to disregard such important content in favor of personal attacks, spurious claims and shameless grandstanding.”