JACOB ZUMA AND THE STATE OF THE NATION

SOUTH AFRICA'S PRESIDENT CLINGS TO POWER

President Zuma of South Africa
When Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa, removed Pravin Gordhan, the finance minister, and made no less than 19 other changes to the executive not long ago, little did he know that his own grip on power would be threatened.  This was exactly what happened.  He almost lost his job.
If not for the backing from members of the NEC of the ruling ANC, most of whom he appointed to jobs in the cabinet and government, Zuma would have become history.
Even now, the president knows that his days in power are numbered.

In addition to other corruption allegations, president Zuma has faced calls to resign since last year.  The nation's top court had ruled that he ''failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution'' because he didn't abide by a directive from the graft Ombudsman to repay the 215.9 million rand ($16.8 million) spent to upgrade his residence.

In parliament, opposition parties continue to plot.  With the way things are, it is now almost certain that Zuma will step down as ANC leader in December and as president in 2019.

President Zuma