South Africa: Zuma survives no-confidence vote August 8 /update 3

Event

South African President Jacob Zuma survived a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly on Tuesday, August 8. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), failed to convince enough members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to oust Zuma over a series of corruption allegations. The party will now prepare for a key meeting in December to select Zuma's successor, as his term ends in 2019.

Demonstrations occurred throughout South Africa in anticipation of the vote and further unrest is possible.

Context

The ANC has been South Africa's ruling party since 1994. Unease over Zuma has grown after he fired Pravin Gordhan, the former finance minister, in a cabinet reshuffle in March 2017. Many in the ANC see Zuma as a key cause of dwindling support in local elections. The vote was the seventh motion against him, mostly attributed to scandals surrounding his presidency and a general discontent regarding prevailing corruption, inequality, unemployment, high crime rate, poor handling of the current economic crisis, etc.

Advice

Individuals throughout South Africa are advised to monitor the situation, to anticipate potential transportation disruptions, and to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

On a separate note, individuals in the country - particularly in urban areas - are advised to be on guard against high levels of criminal activity and to maintain a low profile at all times. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling on foot after nightfall. Criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions hidden from sight.