South Africa’s deputy president poised to replace Zuma
JOHANNESBURG — South African President Jacob Zuma’s exit from power because of scandals appeared to be getting closer on Wednesday as his deputy, who is expected to replace him, said he anticipated a “speedy resolution” to transition talks he is holding with the president.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged “a lot of speculation and anxiety” about the status of the president. But Ramaphosa said he and Zuma, beset by corruption allegations, would finish their discussions and report in the coming days to the ruling African National Congress party and the population of one of Africa’s biggest economies.
“This is a challenging time for our country,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. “Both President Zuma and myself are aware that our people want and deserve closure. The constructive process we have embarked on offers the greatest opportunity to conclude this matter without discord or division.”
The announcement followed several disputed reports that reflected a growing mood of uncertainty over the protracted wait for a resolution to the country’s leadership crisis. Zuma’s office described a social media report that Russian President Vladimir Putin was going to visit the country this week as “fake” news. It also denied allegations by opponents that he was preparing to fire Ramaphosa.