Faith Muthambi vs Jacob Zuma: A Loyal friend or a Political Opportunist?
In the complex world of South African politics, loyalty can be a double-edged sword. Faith Muthambi, a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC), has been both praised and criticised for her unwavering support of former President Jacob Zuma. Let’s delve into her actions and motivations to understand whether she truly owes Zuma her loyalty.
The Controversial SABC Inquiry
Muthambi’s tenure as Communications Minister was marked by controversy. Parliament’s final report on its SABC inquiry in 2017 found that she had “politically interfered” in the public broadcaster and displayed incompetence. Despite these findings, Zuma chose not to remove her from her position, raising questions about their relationship.
The Gupta Connection
The infamous #GuptaLeaks revealed Muthambi’s close ties to the Gupta family. Shortly after her appointment, she communicated with the Guptas through their associate, Ashu Chawla. Emails showed discussions related to government restructuring and digital migration, with Tony Gupta also being kept informed. This connection fueled speculation about her loyalty—was it to the ANC or to the Gupta-Zuma nexus?
Defending Zuma on the International Stage
During the Pravin Gordhan saga, Muthambi publicly defended Zuma’s decision to recall the finance minister and his deputy from an overseas trip. She accused the media, banks, and rating agencies of pushing a “regime change agenda” against Zuma. Her unwavering support raised eyebrows, especially given the mounting evidence of corruption and mismanagement during Zuma’s presidency.
Taking the Reins of the Environment Committee
In 2021, Muthambi was appointed to head the Environment Committee in Parliament. This move surprised many, considering her controversial past. Some saw it as a signal of Zuma’s influence, while others questioned her suitability for the role. Was this appointment a reward for loyalty, or did it serve a different purpose?
Cutting Zuma Off
Faith Muthambi, a member of the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), played a role in the expulsion of former South African President Jacob Zuma from the African National Congress (ANC). Zuma faced charges related to violating ANC rules, including campaigning for and leading the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party against the ANC. The NDC found him guilty, and Muthambi, along with other committee members, voted in favor of his expulsion. This decision marked a significant moment in South African political history.
Conclusion: Faith Muthambi’s loyalty to Jacob Zuma remains a subject of debate. While some view her as a faithful ally, others see her as a political opportunist. Ultimately, her actions and decisions will continue to shape perceptions of her loyalty in the intricate landscape of South African politics.
1: The Case Against Faith Muthambi, Zuma’s faithful soldier and guided missile 2: Muthambi keeps the Faith for Msholozi | City Press – News24 3: Hope in Parliament’s environmental oversight dims as Faith Muthambi takes the reins
