Singing lawmakers keep Zuma in office

 Pro-Zuma supporters celebrate after the vote of no confidence against the president was defeated. Photograph: Mike Hutchings/Reuters

President Zuma in victory dance

Efforts to remove the president of South Africa have again failed as ANC legislators rallied behind the embattled leader.  The balding president survived a no confidence vote yesterday.  He afterwards insisted that his African National Congress party would not be toppled.

Singing happily, the president added that 'The ANC is supported by the overwhelming majority.'

Mr Zuma, who has ruled for eight years, had previously survived six attempts to dislodge him in parliament.  The speaker, Baleka Mbete, made a surprise ruling on Monday for a secret ballot to be held.  
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The South African president had for long been dogged by allegations of corruption and with a sinking economy, opposition parties had hoped it would encourage disgruntled ANC legislators to vote against him.
Despite pleas from Mmusi Maimane, head of of the opposition Democratic Alliance urging legislators to 'take our country back,' the president survived.

Perhaps sensing victory, ANC members in the chamber began singing shortly before the results were announced and soon broke out in cheers.