Duduzane Zuma has sent tremors across South Africa’s shaky political landscape with the announcement of his candidacy in the 2024 general elections.
Duduzane Zuma says he’s running for president in 2024
In a video that has since gone viral, the controversial son of former president Jacob Zuma staked his claim in attempting to achieve what opposition parties have failed to do in five general elections — to overthrow the ANC.
“Reset, redistribute, and rebuild. That’s all we’re gonna do over the next two to three years. So, by the time 2024 comes, we will be fully in control. Our destiny is ours. How we want to implement policies in favour of what we believe in, and how we tryna channel and to build this country over the next 20 to 50 years starts now,” Zuma announced.
Ladies and gentlemen are you ready for President Duduzane Zuma? pic.twitter.com/XIWak1hySH
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) March 5, 2021
Zuma, sounding resolute and almost sure of his manifesto’s out-turn, warned his followers to not be side-tracked by the ‘shenanigans’ surrounding his name.
After all, he said, “these are destractions and “narratives that have been built for a long time that keep us divided.”
Without explicitly announcing his candidacy in the next elections, Zuma made it quite clear that, at the very least, a coup is in the works.
ANC factionalism, with Ramaphosa at the helm, continues to spew into the public and this viral clip is yet another indication of deeply sowed divisions within the ruling party.
‘We will be fully in control’ – Who is ‘we’?
Zuma, sending an indirect shot at Ramaphosa’s acquaintance with the private sector and international monetary bodies, stated that in 2024, when he and his cohorts are in power, “we will not be dependant on handouts from anybody.”
“We will deliver free education and we will create opportunities for each other,” he said.
At this time, the former president’s son has not substantiated his manifesto with the name of hs organisation. More interestingly, in the video clip, Zuma keeps referencing ‘we’, suggesting that this is the plan of a group that remains unknown.
Although, Zuma did give an honourable mention to a commander (his name can’t be made out in the clip) and a Maphumulo, both active members of MKMVA, the ANC’s armed military wing.
Social media reacts to Duduzane Zuma
It is all heating up to be an interesting election with Zuma throwing his weight into the contest. The viral clip quickly became a top-trending topic and social media was rife with speculation. Here are some of these reactions.
I would submit to the leadership of Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane as President and Duduzane Zuma as her Deputy President @MYANC
— LAND AFFAIRS (@LandDilemma) March 5, 2021
Izwe Lethu pic.twitter.com/hmCLHqmmhQ
Well, I think Duduzane does have what it takes to run for presidency & bring some much needed change in SA. He’s got all the power & the knowledge from his father. He learned from the best how politricks work. Let’s just wait & see how it will unfold.
— Ngwane (@BabaKaKhanya) March 5, 2021
Julius Malema / Duduzane Zuma I’m honestly fine with them . Young leaders, I’m honestly against labomkhulu over 60. Yet on almost every job when you reach 60 uhlalekhaya but bontaba kayi basafuna kolala ephalamende angeke !
— Lethu M (@justlethu_) March 5, 2021
Duduzane confused “imali eningi” trend with the Presidential Campaign.
— Xolani Ngcobo (@XolaniNgcobo167) March 5, 2021
Hyping him didn’t mean we want him to be President pic.twitter.com/8xxRODoZu8