SOUTH AFRICA: Zuma future in balance as ANC leaders meet

Jacob Zuma’s future as South Africa’s president is under threat as senior politicians held an emergency meeting in Johannesburg yesterday. Twenty of the African National Congress’ (ANC) leaders discussed Mr Zuma’s tenure, a day after he reportedly refused to step down. Pressure is now growing for Mr Zuma, who is facing corruption allegations, to go […]

Jacob Zuma’s future as South Africa’s president is under threat as senior politicians held an emergency meeting in Johannesburg yesterday.

Twenty of the African National Congress’ (ANC) leaders discussed Mr Zuma’s tenure, a day after he reportedly refused to step down.

Pressure is now growing for Mr Zuma, who is facing corruption allegations, to go ahead of this week’s State of the Nation address.

His term is due to expire in 2019.

Mr Zuma, who spent time in prison for his part in the fight against apartheid, met the ANC’s top six on Sunday, who are said to have failed to convince him to stand aside.

He is most of the way through his second – and last – term as president, and was replaced as ANC leader last December.

Other unconfirmed reports from Sunday’s meeting say that Mr Zuma asked for protection from prosecution for himself and his family.