On December 2017, the South African ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), held its 54th National Congress to elect their new president. The battle was between President Jacob Zuma’s ex-wife (Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma) and Cyril Ramaphosa.
Each of these individuals represents different masters. It is public knowledge that Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is serving the same master as her ex-husband, which is eastern imperialism. On the other hand, Cyril Ramaphosa represents the western imperialists. This is the side that won as Cyril Ramaphosa became the ANC president.
Ramaphosa had to put plans into motion before it became very difficult for him to meet his obligations to his masters. It didn’t take long before the newly-elected president stated that he didn’t support the nuclear reactor deal that was won by the Russian imperialists. He justified this by saying the country cannot afford it in its current economic state.
Things changed from bad to worse. The opposition parties and members within the ANC demanded that President Zuma step down and hand over the ropes to the new ANC President. Otherwise, they would not allow him to address the country. This led to the State of the Nation address being postponed for the first time in this so-called “democratic country.”
President Zuma refused to step down, asking for 3-6 months more of power. This led to other political parties wanting to dissolve the parliament while others wanted the parliament to impeach him.
On Feb 14, due to the pressure within the ruling party, the public and opposition parties, the ANC National Executive Committee recalled the president. After lengthy meetings the President addressed the public to hand in his resignation from office, which he has occupied since 2008.
As communists this presents us with an opportunity to mobilize the masses to join ICWP and fight for a communist society. This so-called “Change of leadership” doesn’t translate into better living conditions, the end of exploitation, demolishing of borders and certainly putting an end to capitalism. It simply means that the power is shifting towards the western imperialists to put into motion their plans. Their plans are to exploit the working class of South Africa and even kill anyone who is in their way as they did in Marikana in 2012.
Organizing for a Communist May Day, 2017, South Africa
Front page of this issue
