A purported resignation letter from former South African President Jacob Zuma to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President Floyd Shivambu has recently gone viral, blending humor with political commentary and leaving many South Africans both amused and puzzled.
The letter, which quickly gained traction on social media, begins with an unusual informality for political correspondence, urging Shivambu to resign “with immediate effect.” However, it quickly takes a lighter turn, adding, “Don’t worry about signing the letter! UDudu is very good with signatures.” The term “UDudu” refers to Zuma’s ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and the comment is seen as a personal jest, indicating a playful rather than serious tone.
The letter goes on to include laughing emojis and ends with a cheeky jab at the African National Congress (ANC), calling the “MK party”—a reference to the ANC’s former military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe—a “party of chaos.”
While the authenticity of the letter remains unverified, its viral spread has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a satirical take on the internal conflicts within South African politics, particularly within the ANC and opposition parties like the EFF. Others express concern over the mixing of humor with serious political affairs, questioning whether such antics are appropriate for