President Jacob Zuma apparently believes that just as he has hired Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, so he can fire him.
“People must understand, Pravin works for Zuma,” a source close to Zuma said.
Zuma yesterday also took on members of the ANC who want him to quit as President of South Africa.
“He’s invited them to ‘remove me – if you dare’,” the source says.
The source accused some ANC members of colluding with the EFF and the DA in a bid to oust Zuma.
This after the DA filed for a motion of no confidence in Zuma in Parliament and the EFF went to the Constitutional Court, seeking an order for Speaker Baleka Mbete to impeach Zuma.
At the same time, a rumour began circulating that a compromise “deal had been brokered that would see the president stepping down within 12 months, if Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas were to leave office”.
But our source said: “That’s rubbish. It’s just disinformation being spread by Zuma’s opponents.
“Zuma is very angry. This is not the way he operates. He will not quit. He intends fulfilling his term.
“He believes he has vast majority support across the country – and that this majority will enable him to beat off the challenge of those who want him out.”
Meanwhile, the SACP confirmed that Zuma intends firing Gordhan and Jonas and a cabinet reshuffle was imminent.
The SACP said Zuma was relying on a dodgy intelligence report that alleged the duo were plotting against him.
Secretary-General Solly Mapaila said the SACP did not agree with Zuma, as the move could have negative consequences similar to when Nhlanhla Nene was removed as finance minister in 2015, an unpopular decision that wiped billions of rands off the economy.
Meanwhile EFF leader Julius Malema said they were in possession of the intelligence report, which was apparently compiled by a Gupta spin doctor.
Speaking outside the Constitutional Court, Malema said: “It looks like it was written by a student of early childhood development... it is not coherent.
“It says among other things, that the same former minister of finance in Britain organised Pravin’s overseas trip, and that he is the same guy who organised EFF trip to London...that is not true. That alone tells you that someone is fabricating stories.” (sic)
Parliament has also confirmed it received correspondence from the DA requesting its fifth vote of no confidence in Zuma.
It said Mbete will respond in due course.
COME AT ME: President Jacob Zuma
IN THE BALANCE: Minister Pravin Gordhan
FABRICATION: EFF leader Julius Malema