Former president Jacob Zuma has demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down by 10:00 AM on Friday, August 8, or face legal challenges and nationwide protests. The ultimatum, delivered through Zuma’s legal team, escalates tensions between the two political rivals and raises fears of renewed instability.
Zuma, now leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, accuses Ramaphosa of constitutional violations and abuse of power, particularly over his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister. In a letter from KMNS Inc. Attorneys, Zuma’s camp called the move “unlawful” and accused Ramaphosa of centralising authority without proper oversight.
“We demand that President Ramaphosa vacates office by Friday morning,” the letter states, warning of urgent court applications and a “national mobilisation of democratic resistance” if he refuses. While the presidency has not yet responded, insiders dismiss the threat as a political ploy to undermine Ramaphosa’s government.
The MK Party, which has been challenging the ANC since the May 2024 elections, is reportedly preparing for mass demonstrations. Security forces are on alert, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where Zuma retains strong support.
With the deadline looming, South Africa braces for another chapter in the bitter feud between Ramaphosa and Zuma—one that could play out in courtrooms or on the streets.