As South Africans and observers around the world await the end of the 'Zuma era', the father of a Komboni missionary, an expert on South African affairs, speaks about the unfolding crisis and his hopes for the future.
Linda Bordoni
South Africajudgment of african national congress formally asked President Jacob Zuma He is resigning “for the sake of the country.”
But despite the ANC's top leadership's decision to “recall” him on an “urgent” basis, Zuma remains in power and is expected to comply with the request on Wednesday.
Zuma, who has been president since 2009, has been dogged by hundreds of corruption allegations and accusations.
Father of Comboni missionaries, South African expert Efrem Tresolditold Linda Bordoni that South Africans are watching political developments with great anticipation and hope for much-needed changes within the ruling party.
Historic times and opportunities for change for South Africa
Mr Tresoldi said this historic moment was a chance for the ruling ANC to prove itself as the country's leading political force.
He said it would be a victory for the party if the national executive committee could remove Zuma and allow things to develop and move in a new direction.
“Because behind all this is the desire of so many people in South Africa to see real change in the ANC and in this country,” he said.
Mr Tresoldi said the trust many people placed in the party after Nelson Mandela came to power had been tainted by the many unrest made by Mr Zuma and his allies during his nine years as president. He pointed out.
“What the people of South Africa want from the ANC is a real change in direction for the African National Congress to become a moral force in this country and be able to address many of the challenges in this country, such as unemployment and unemployment. “I think, 'We can provide safety and give hope to young people,'” he said.
He agreed that most South Africans want to uphold Mr Mandela's legacy and “that's why this moment is so important for this country”.
ANC is not as compact as it looks
Regarding the fact that President Zuma appears to be dragging his feet and holding his ground despite incredible pressure, Mr Tresoldi said that perhaps this means that the ANC is not as compact as it seems and that there is still a desire within the party to do so. He said that this is a sign that there are molecules that exist. Mr Zuma will stay (whatever his interests), but he believes there is a deadline for Mr Zuma to resign.
“The deadline is there and I don't think it can go beyond next week,” he said.
Mr Tresoldi agreed that impeachment would be a further blow to Mr Zuma, as it would foresee serious judicial repercussions and a loss of dignity. If so, he should resign.”
He also said many South Africans might want to see Mr Zuma “taken to court for all his wrongdoings and all the funds siphoned from the public treasury for his dealings.” He also commented on the fact that “I can't do it.” With friends and the Gupta family.”
A wish for justice and rebirth
He said there was definitely a desire for justice and that he wanted Mr Zuma to be treated as a fair and democratic South African citizen.
Tresoldi also noted that this year marks Mandela's 100th birthday and that people want to see a renewal of the party that Madiba held to such a high level thanks to its ideals of justice, peace and freedom. did.
Finally, Mr. Tresoldi recalled the position of the Southern African bishops, who just days ago issued a message to Mr. Zuma urging him to put the country's interests first, saying: “This is not a very veiled statement. “No, but I am asking him to resign,” Tresoldi said.