Ramaphosa’s intervention opens new flank in Zuma, Gordhan war

Underlying battle for Zuma’s successor in focus

By John Eche

South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s coming out in support of embattled Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has opened up a new flank in the battle between the Zuma presidency and the Finance Minister.

Commenting publicly on the face-off for the first time since it began a week ago, Ramaphosa, a veteran trade union organiser and businessman who is also a major contender in the tussle to replace Zuma at the close of his term in office, on Sunday said fraud charges brought against the minister should not be allowed to undermine his efforts to revitalise the economy.

Prosecutors have ordered Gordhan to appear in court next month, in what his supporters say is part of a plot to discredit a man who has defied close allies of President Jacob Zuma.

“Events of the past few days regarding summonses served on Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan have been of concern to many South Africans across all sectors of society,” said Ramaphosa, who is seen as a strong contender to replace Zuma when his term ends.

“I lend my support to Minister Gordhan as he faces charges brought against him by the National Prosecuting Authority,” Ramaphosa added.

Ramaphosa said the charges had been announced as Gordhan prepared to deliver the Medium Term Budget Statement on Oct 26. The legal action, which shook markets and hit the rand, also come as the country was bracing for possible ratings downgrades.

“Whatever the legal challenges that Minister Gordhan may face, we must not undermine the work that the government jointly with leaders of business and labour have been doing to stimulate domestic and international investment in our economy,” Ramaphosa said.

The governing African National Congress (ANC) suffered its worst-ever local election results in August, widening rifts in the ruling party.

Ramaphosa saw his chances of becoming the country’s next leader increase late last month when the powerful mining union he helped found backed him to succeed Zuma.

However several of those close to Zuma are openly rooting for him to be succeeded by African Union Commission President, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.