DURBAN - IT was another late night special for President Jacob Zuma, who announced his resignation as head of state on Wednesday night.
Zuma’s tenure came to a crunching halt on Valentine's Day, February 14. He had resumed office in May 2009. His tenure was cut short by just over a year before the end of his second term.
Like his predecessor Thabo Mbeki, there would be no completion of the second term.
Late night appearances have become synonymous with the Zuma administration, particularly in his second term, where ministers have been fired almost in the dead of the night.
Read:
On Wednesday night, just after 10.30pm, a jovial Zuma appeared in front of television cameras for the last time as the number one citizen in the republic.
Zuma turned on the charm with the serious looking journalists who were at the Union Buildings, joking that it was a late night - but stressed there was work to be done.
Zuma’s resignation speech, which went for about 30 minutes saw him journey through his political life briefly. He then fired on all cylinders, taking a sharp turn as his speech began to sound as if he was daring Parliament oust him by motion of no confidence, which was set to take place at 2pm on Thursday had Zuma not resigned on Wednesday night.
Also read:
Zuma appeared to put on a fight, quipping he was not afraid of being removed by a motion of no confidence, impeachment or losing his presidential perks.
This excited some in the twitterati, like musician AKA, who tweeted:
What a G. 😭
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 14, 2018
But ultimately, unhappily and reluctantly, Zuma announced his resignation as state president. He parted and he left the journalists with these words: “We will meet again, somewhere”.
As Zuma faded into the background, thousands had their say on social media. Some paid tributes were videos of Zuma singing at former president Nelson Mandela’s funeral, while some slated him for the past nine years he had cost South Africa.
Celebrities also had their say. Some were appreciative of Zuma, while others were happy to see the back of the man from Nkandla go.
Rapper AKA was among the celebrities who thanked Zuma.
THANK YOU BABA 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/9fpDPFtvg3
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 14, 2018
Sad to see him go. Eish 💔 But happy that we have shown the world once again that we live in a country where no man or woman is bigger than the movement.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 14, 2018
Actress Samkelo Ndlovu was relieved to see the back of Zuma, along with fellow actress Omuhle Gela, who thought the ex president loved to play victim.
I may have felt sorry for him during his speech and hearing him saying he's resigning - but I'm not sad that he's gone.
— Samú (@SamkeloNdlovu) February 14, 2018
But he needed to go though, we have been desperate for new and better leadership for ages now. Ewu🙆🏾 please let this be a new better era for us, SA has been through the most guyzini.
— Samú (@SamkeloNdlovu) February 14, 2018
Me too. He’s very good at making people feel sorry for him. Like abusive men .. https://t.co/HkiMLxvPFO
— Omuhle Makaziwe Gela (@Omuhle_Gela) February 14, 2018
TV creator and actress, Portia Gumede, paid homage to Khwezi.
Rest now dear soul. pic.twitter.com/4r101ZYd0T
— Portia Gumede (@portiagumedesa) February 14, 2018
Angolan TV personality Weza Solange had strong words for South Africans and prayed for both countries.
I pray that your next president may give you all that your former president couldn’t! I hope you don’t regret celebrating today.
I hope you don’t feel the way some Angolans are feeling about our new president 😫. Im praying for us
— Weza Solange (@Weza_Solange) February 14, 2018
Creative man Khaya Dlanga thought Zuma gave the country the best Valentine’s Day present, ever.
Zuma gave South Africa the beat Valentine’s Day present ever. His resignation. #ZumaExit pic.twitter.com/dHAcgUabYV
— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) February 14, 2018
Fashion designer Thula Sindi was hopeful for better days ahead.
This is the first hour into a Post-Zuma South Africa... I am hopeful
— Thula Sindi (@thulasindi) February 14, 2018
East Coast Radio breakfast jock Darren Maule stayed up late to witness it for himself.
Bye Bye Zuma. Enjoy the rest of your Valentines. #ZumaGone #ZumaExit #PresidentResigns pic.twitter.com/9mgq0fFV0p
— (((Darren Maule))) 🎙️ (@darrenmaule) February 14, 2018
TV personality Boitumelo “Boity” Thulo seemed to be out of words, tweeting that her heart was pounding.
JACOB ZUMA RESIGNS!!!!!!! 🇿🇦 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Bonang B* Matheba (@bonang_m) February 14, 2018
US based actress Pearl Thusi channeled Archbishop Desmond, who had warned the country about Zuma.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu right now... #ZumaResigns pic.twitter.com/4RWrLjdVSz
— PEARL THUSI (@PearlThusi) February 14, 2018
Rapper Cassper Nyovest, who tweeted that he was out of the country, looked for guidance on how to feel from his fans.
This is big news!!! Getting a haircut In LA and people are asking me if the Zuma news is true and how we feel about it. How’s the vibe back home? #ZumaResigns
— R.M Phoolo (@CassperNyovest) February 14, 2018