Jacob Zuma, former president of South Africa and leader of the MK Party, is set to address the nation in a media conference on Sunday that his party deems critically important.
It comes after a consequential week in South African politics, where the country’s parliament re-elected Cyril Ramaphosa as the country’s president following a landmark coalition deal between the governing African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.
In an announcement on Saturday, the MK Party stated that at 2:00 PM local time on June 16th, Zuma will “address the nation at a media conference regarding the current political situation and ongoing developments in South Africa.” They said he will cover “a range of topics that are currently vital to the national discourse and the future trajectory of the nation.”
The serious framing suggests Zuma may aim to discuss the implications of the election results and make a bold declaration about the MK Party’s path forward as an opposition party after its surge in support.
The new government of national unity combines Mr Ramaphosa’s ANC, the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) and smaller parties.
The multi-party deal does not involve two ANC breakaway parties, including the MK Party. It had agreed talks with the ANC before Friday’s election.
The National Assembly also swore in a speaker from the ANC, while the post of deputy speaker went to the DA.
Zuma, who served as president from 2009 to 2018 before resigning amid corruption allegations, has remained an influential and divisive voice. His ability to command a national audience ensures intense scrutiny of his response to the ANC’s rebuke at the polls.
South African officials and the ANC have not yet commented on the announcement. Zuma’s rivals will be watching closely for any inflammatory rhetoric or pronouncements that could inflame political tensions after the hard-fought election.
