When the African National Congress suspended former President Jacob Zuma this week, a top party official portrayed him as a traitor to the ongoing struggle for Black prosperity in South Africa and a symbol of corruption that the organization is looking to move past.
But to Vincent Mthembu, a longtime A.N.C.
activist on the local level, Mr. Zuma was the only hope for the party, which has governed South Africa for 30 years, and the country.
“He is the people’s president,” Mr. Mthembu, who owns a construction business in Johannesburg, said on Tuesday.
“Whatever that he was doing was enriching Black people.”Many countries seem to have their Donald J. Trumps these days — brash, populist leaders who, no matter how many corruption allegations or legal troubles they face, attract fiercely loyal supporters.
Persons:
Jacob Zuma, Vincent Mthembu, Zuma, ” Mr, Mthembu, Donald J
Organizations:
African National Congress
Locations:
South Africa, Johannesburg