Former president Jacob Zuma’s old isiZulu nickname is ringing around South Africa again. Phunyuka bamphethe (literally meaning “s/he who always escapes from custody” or “escape artist”) is being invoked after the country’s electoral court ruled Tuesday that Zuma, a former convict, can contest the May 29 elections as a main candidate of his new organization, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

It’s a stunning victory for the 81-year-old politician, a major setback for his old party, the ANC, now led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a blow to South Africa’s reform efforts. Zuma oversaw what has been termed the country’s nine wasted years — characterized by large-scale corruption and economic decline. His influence now risks a significant step backwards.

QOSHE - Zuma Is Back on South Africa's Ballot. That Spells Trouble. - Justice Malala
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Zuma Is Back on South Africa's Ballot. That Spells Trouble.

21 16
11.04.2024

Former president Jacob Zuma’s old isiZulu nickname is ringing around South Africa again. Phunyuka bamphethe (literally meaning “s/he who always escapes from custody” or “escape........

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