Catherwood LibraryILR School

Jacob Zuma’s tumultuous and scandalous presidency grows even more controversial as the largest labor union in South Africa organized a one-day, nationwide strike against Zuma’s administration with thousands of protestors gathering around the country. The Congress of South African Trade Unions has publicly rescinded their support for President Jacob Zuma following his firing of the previous finance minister, Pravin Gordhan. Zuma has been accused of numerous counts of corruption, including allowing businesspeople and family friends to sway government policies and appointments. These scandals have led to fears of lessened international investment in the growing South African economy due to investor concerns about political corruption and Zuma has become the primary target for South African frustrations regarding corrupt leaders. The South African Communist Party has sanctioned labor’s turn against Zuma and both parties strongly urge the election of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa into office following Zuma’s term while Zuma’s administration claims that it is the victim of a witch-hunt.