EXCLUSIVE: Sit-down with Former President Jacob Zuma

Summary

In an exclusive interview, former South African President Jacob Zuma discusses the political landscape following the 2024 general elections. He addresses his role in establishing a new political party, the MK, amidst claims of the ANC's deviation from its original vision. Zuma vehemently denies accusations of vengeance and emphasizes his commitment to the liberation and advancement of black South Africans. He also touches on the challenges he faced with the judiciary and his enduring anger over perceived injustices, while dismissing notions of state capture and the influence of his daughter on his political decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Former South African President Jacob Zuma discusses his role in the 2024 general elections and the launch of the MK political party.
• 🏛️ Zuma emphasizes his deep-rooted commitment to politics due to his involvement in the struggle for black liberation in South Africa.
• 🎯 He claims that the ANC has strayed from its original vision and that he is fighting to correct the course of the party and the country.
• 👥 Zuma criticizes the current leadership of the ANC, accusing them of not listening to the party and making decisions that are detrimental to the organization.
• 🤔 He hints at serious issues and conflicts within the ANC that he may reveal in a future book but does not elaborate in detail during the interview.
• 🚫 Zuma vehemently denies that his actions are driven by vengeance or personal animosity towards the current ANC leadership.
• 📉 The interview touches on the dismal election results for the ANC and the potential implications for the country's political landscape.
• 📊 Zuma disputes the election results, suggesting there were irregularities and that the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) may have mishandled the vote count.
• 🤝 He addresses the possibility of coalitions and government formation, stating that all parties are in discussion but he has not been directly involved in such talks.
• 📖 Zuma expresses his anger over his legal battles, particularly his contempt of court case, and asserts that the judiciary was wrong in their handling of his case.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Finally, he dismisses claims that his daughter is influencing his political actions, asserting his independence and long history in politics.

Q & A

What is the main reason former President Jacob Zuma started a new political party?

Former President Jacob Zuma started a new political party due to his belief that the ANC had derailed from its original vision and was no longer listening to its members or the needs of the people. He felt the need to correct the direction the ANC was taking.

How does Zuma describe his motivation for entering politics?

Zuma describes his motivation for entering politics as a genuine desire to liberate black people and fight for their freedom, which he says is in his blood and not driven by a desire for money or power.

What does Zuma believe is the current state of the ANC?

Zuma believes that the ANC has strayed from its original mission and that the current leadership is not listening to the party or the people. He suggests that the ANC has become something else that needs to be corrected.

How does Zuma respond to accusations of him being a 'disruptor' in the 2024 general elections?

Zuma disagrees with the label of being a 'disruptor'. He asserts that he did not disrupt the elections but rather established a political party to contest against the ANC, which he believes had strayed from its principles.

What was Zuma's reaction to the election results showing his party, MK, gaining significant votes?

Zuma seems to have expected the significant number of votes for his party, MK, as he mentions that he would not have tried to launch the party if he knew it was not going to work. He believes the results reflect the people's dissatisfaction with the ANC.

What does Zuma say about his relationship with the current ANC leadership?

Zuma indicates a strained relationship with the current ANC leadership, stating that they are not listening to the party or the people and that they have made decisions that have taken the ANC away from its intended path.

What does Zuma believe the role of his new party, MK, should be in South African politics?

Zuma believes that the role of his new party, MK, should be to correct the direction of the ANC and to ensure that the policies decided by the people of South Africa are implemented, not just by the ANC.

How does Zuma view the concept of 'state capture' in relation to his term in office?

Zuma dismisses the concept of 'state capture' during his term in office, arguing that if the three arms of government (Parliament, executive, and Judiciary) were captured, they would not be able to function and should handle the case themselves.

What is Zuma's stance on the possibility of a coalition government with the ANC?

Zuma does not explicitly state his stance on a coalition government with the ANC in the interview. However, he implies that he is open to discussions with other parties to correct the situation in South Africa.

How does Zuma respond to claims that his daughter is influencing his political actions?

Zuma strongly denies that his daughter is influencing his political actions, stating that he has been in politics long before she was involved and that it is 'shameful' for people to suggest otherwise.