SONA 2016: The best announcement for SA would be Zuma’s resignation

11 February 2016

The most appropriate pronouncement President Zuma could make during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this evening is to announce his resignation from the highest office in the land.

South Africa continues to suffer from a leadership crisis, as the President hops from one scandal to the next, all to protect himself and his cronies. This while our country remains on the verge of economic meltdown due to low economic growth, spiralling corruption, rising unemployment, a nationwide drought, rising inflation, and failed service delivery. It cannot continue any longer. 

I have already requested a debate on a motion of no confidence in President Zuma following his catastrophic decision to fire the competent Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene, in December last year. This request was agreed to by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, and I push for this to be debated and voted on at the very next sitting of Parliament.

However, the President should himself expedite the process of his removal from office by doing the honourable thing and resigning.

When taking his oath of office, as per Schedule 2 of the Constitution - the supreme law of the land - President Zuma swore to “be faithful to the Republic of South Africa” and “obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic”. Following the revelations in the Constitutional Court earlier this week, it is clear that the President didn’t mean a single word he said. 

Still, 8.3 million South Africans cannot find a job because President Zuma has one. 

The only way South Africans will experience the promise of a better life for all is when Jacob Zuma is no longer the President of our country.

Issued by Mabine Seabe, Spokesperson to the DA Leader, 11 February 2016