Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read | 7:06 pm CAT

The country is abuzz after three former presidents, Jacob Zuma, Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe criticized current president Cyril Ramaphosa a day before the president addressed the nation on the way forward with regards to the recommendations made by the Zondo Commission. While their party members slammed them for this, some consideration has to be given to an issue raised by Mbeki. He stated that the ANC must deal with the looming reality that Ramaphosa may face impeachment over the Phala Phala saga.

Another side of the debate on the issue is whether it is presidential for a former President to criticize the incumbent.

In a discussion with Radio Islam International, political analyst Prof Steven Friedman said we are a democracy and people are entitled to express their opinion. However, they are at risk of being criticized for that opinion.

Speaking on the motives of former president Mbeki, Friedman said Ramaphosa was part of the National Executive Committee that removed Mbeki from the Presidency in 2008.

Adding, “although some of the things he has to say was useful and contributory to the public debate, a lot of what he has to say is fighting his personal battle of you got rid of me and now I’m going to show you that I was always right.”

Meanwhile, regarding the significance of the concern Mbeki raised on the impeachment around Phala Phala, Friedman said the chances of impeachment are zero.

He says this is because impeachment is a process where two-thirds of the national assembly have to vote to impeach.

As per Friedman, all the ANC branches around the country are endorsing Ramaphosa for a second term as President of the ANC.

Ramaphosa has to contend that if he is charged with the Phala Phala allegations, he would have to step aside.

According to Friedman, Ramaphosa is under no political pressure but may be in trouble if the criminal justice system charges him.

Listen below to the interview with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and political analyst Prof Steven Friedman on Radio Islam’s podcast.