Jacob Zuma’s life in South African politics began in exalted company alongside Nelson Mandela, where he played a key backroom role in the ANC’s years of resistance to apartheid and subsequent rise to power 23 years ago. Yet in many ways his time as South Africa’s president has been seen by many as reflective of the nation’s missed opportunities.
Even within the ANC, anger has grown over the manner in which Zuma has exercised power. Dubious business links have marred his leadership of a government where loyalty has often been prioritised over competence, culminating in a widely criticised cabinet purge last week.
Zuma is poised to step down in 2018 with elections looming, but as Jason Burke explains in our cover story this week, it looks like his transition from the South African presidency could be anything but quiet.
Inside the paper we report from St Petersburg, Russia, where a bomb attack caused carnage on the metro. From Washington there’s background and analysis on the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to unpick Obama’s environmental policies. We hear from Paraguay, where attempts to change the constitution saw government buildings set ablaze and a young activist killed by police.
From Myanmar there’s a reflection on Aung San Suu Kyi’s first year in power, which has been an underwhelming experience for many. And there’s a special report from Manila, where the Observer’s Kate Lamb looks at fresh allegations linking Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte to extrajudicial killings when mayor of Davao.
In the UK, after what has seemed like an eternity, the British government began the formal process of exiting the European Union. But the story threatens to overshadow other government policies, as a worrying Guardian analysis of new benefit cuts shows.
In our deeper-read Weekly review section there’s a thoughtful essay by Rebecca Solnit about why the power of protest should be measured over the longer term. We’d love to hear your personal perspectives on this - click here to send us a letter and we’ll print the best of them on our Reply page.
Discovery takes us on a scientific journey into the heart of Mozambique’s beautiful but remote Mount Mabu region. Books considers four different publications examining the light and dark shades of Islam. Then, on a completely different tack, Culture has an interview with the legendary theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh.
After Andy Murray topped the men’s tennis rankings last year, could another Briton be set for similar heights in the women’s game? Sport looks at the stealthy rise of Johanna Konta.
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