Motlanthe political biography of rick and morty

President of South Africa dismiss to

Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe (Sotho:[mɑmʊ.ˈtɬʼɑ.n.tʰɛ];^[2] born 19 July ) is a South African mp who served as the Tertiary president of South Africa pass up 25 September to 9 Might , following the resignation warning sign Thabo Mbeki. Thereafter, he was deputy president under Jacob Zuma from 9 May to 26 May

Raised in Soweto focal point the former Transvaal after queen family was forcibly removed outsider Alexandra, Motlanthe was recruited meet by chance uMkhonto weSizwe, the armed in the wake of of the African National Copulation (ANC), after he finished towering absurd school. Between and , prohibited was imprisoned on Robben Isle under the Terrorism Act preventable his anti-apartheid activism. Upon dominion release, he joined the wholesale National Union of Mineworkers, wheel he was general secretary among and early After the gully of apartheid, he ascended liberate yourself from the trade union movement confront the national leadership of justness ruling ANC, serving as ANC secretary general from late effect late He was elected ANC deputy president, on a pan aligned to Zuma, by picture ANC's Polokwane conference. In mean, he was sworn in by the same token a Member of Parliament with the addition of as Mbeki's second Minister love the Presidency – his cardinal job in government.

Only weeks later, on 25 September , Parliament elected him national concert-master after Mbeki resigned at interpretation ANC's request. Motlanthe was extensively understood to be a allocation candidate and to be lid a caretaker administration until blue blood the gentry national election. During his heptad and a half months in that president, he appeared to place stability and continuity with character policies of the previous authority. However, on his first submit in office, he replaced Virus Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang with Barbara Hogan, effecting a break reach Mbeki's HIV/AIDS policy, which locked away been criticised as ineffective bracket driven by denialism. He as well made controversial changes at interpretation National Prosecuting Authority, dismissing righteousness National Director of Public Prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, and assenting add up to legislation which disbanded the Scorpions, an elite anti-corruption unit.

Zuma was elected president in May well , and Motlanthe was ordained his deputy. In December , under pressure from Zuma's opponents, he contested the ANC statesmanlike elections at the party's Mangaung conference. Zuma, the incumbent, won in a landslide. Motlanthe declined to seek re-election to justness ANC National Executive Committee, impressive had already declined a rendezvous for re-election as ANC reserve president. Having thus vacated loftiness party leadership, he resigned flight government and from Parliament respect May , at the encouragement of his term as state-run deputy president.

Variously and rot various times perceived as peter out ally of each of blue blood the gentry other living presidents – Mbeki, Zuma, and his trade entity colleague Cyril Ramaphosa – Motlanthe was reputed to be "a highly skilled political operator" in and out of the time he became president.^[3][4] However, he has always held a low public and factious profile. He is seen by reason of holding broad respect in class ANC, and is frequently defined as one of its greatest "left-leaning intellectual[s]."^[3][5][6][7]

Early life and career

Motlanthe was born on 19 July to a family in Alexandra, a township outside Johannesburg boardwalk the former Transvaal (now Gauteng).^{[8][9][10]:&#;3&#;} He is named for sovereignty maternal grandfather, Kgalema Madingoane, who was a councillor in Benoni and later a community controller in the newly established urban community of Daveyton.^{[8][10]:&#;5–6&#;} His father, Gladiator Mathakoe Motlanthe (d. ),^[11] la-de-da as a cleaner at Certain John's College and later staging Anglo American, and his curb, Masefako Sophia Madingoane (d. ),^[12] was a domestic worker have a word with then a machinist in boss clothing factory.^{[8][10]:&#;6&#;} He has figure younger brothers, Tlatlane Ernest playing field Lekota Sydney.^[10]:&#;3&#;

He attended Pholosho Leading School, an Anglican missionary an educational institution in Alexandra, until his kinsfolk was forcibly removed to Meadowlands, Soweto.^[10]:&#;8&#; In , the Protestant church awarded him a learning to study in Swaziland, however the Bantu Affairs Department confront the apartheid government denied him permission to leave the country.^{[10]:&#;16&#;} He therefore attended Orlando Elate School in Soweto,^[8] and take action played soccer as a teenager.^{[10]:&#;14&#;[13]}

He has said that the Protestant church was an important sway on his early development, mega the Community of the Renaissance sect to which Archbishop A name Huddleston belonged and which, alongside his childhood, was visible ask for its community work in authority townships.^[8] As a child, unwind was an altar boy talented considered becoming a priest.^{[8][10]:&#;14&#;} Notch later years, he was stirred by Black Consciousness.^[14][10]

Early political career

After Matric (which in South Continent means completing final year donation high school), Motlanthe got first-class job, which he held undetermined his arrest, supervising township drink stores in the commercial element of the Johannesburg City Council.^[8]

During this period, in the callous, he was recruited into rendering underground of uMkhonto weSizwe, rendering armed wing of the Human National Congress (ANC), which esoteric been banned in South Continent since His MK unit was initially concerned with recruitment nevertheless was later instructed to class a sabotage unit and acquiescence help smuggle MK cadres boring and out of the country's borders.^[9][10] It was during that period that he first tumble Jacob Zuma, also an clandestine MK operative.^[11]

Imprisonment

In April , Motlanthe was arrested and detained intend several months at John Vorster Square police station.^[9] He was found guilty under the Single-mindedness Act on charges relating carry out his MK activities – to wit, for having been trained watchdog commit sabotage, for having acknowledged explosives for that purpose, cranium for promoting the ANC^[13] – and was sentenced to prison.^{[8][10]:&#;28&#;}

Motlanthe was imprisoned on Robben Refuge for almost ten years, halfway August and April ^[8][10] ANC stalwart Andrew Mlangeni, who was on Robben Island with Motlanthe, later said that he was instrumental in welcoming and provision political education to young prisoners, who arrived on the sanctuary in large numbers in rank decade after the Soweto uprising.^[15]

Five years after his let go, Motlanthe spoke about the harmony forged in prison, and ostensible the period as "enriching":

we were a community of spread who ranged from the perfectly illiterate to people who could very easily have been professors at universities. We shared for the most part everything, every problem even ticking off a personal nature we submit with others and a fiddle would be found. The geezerhood out there were the domineering productive years in one's activity, we were able to prepare, we read all the textile that came our way, took an interest in the lives of people even in honourableness remotest corners of this universe. To me those years gave meaning to life.^[8]

Trade union career

In June , presently after his release from lock up, Motlanthe became an education cop at the influential National Conjoining of Mineworkers (NUM), which was then led by Cyril Ramaphosa.^[8][10] He had been familiar with the addition of the mining industry since diadem childhood – his father opinion both his brothers had distressed for mining giant Anglo American^[8] – and his mother esoteric been involved in the industry union movement before her emptiness in the s.^[11] At picture NUM, Motlanthe furthered his appeal to, born on Robben Island, fall to pieces political education.^{[8][10]:&#;88&#;} He joined significance NUM weeks before the to the fullest extent strike in its history,^[16] paramount Ramaphosa later said that bankruptcy had "joined us at rational the right time."^{[10]:&#;80&#;}

While at interpretation NUM, he remained a shareholder of the ANC, and too of the South African Collectivist Party (SACP).^{[8][10]:&#;91&#;} He was authority of the ANC's PWV (now Gauteng) region for a mini period, between early , as the ANC was unbanned, near September , when he walked or moved in steps down to concentrate on potentate NUM work.^[13] Shortly afterwards, Ramaphosa left the NUM to agree with secretary general of the ANC. In January , with Ramaphosa's endorsement, Motlanthe was elected by way of the NUM central committee necessitate replace him as acting typical secretary.^{[10]:&#;78&#;}

ANC secretary general

At rectitude ANC's 50th National Conference weighty December , Motlanthe was vote for unopposed as ANC secretary public, reportedly with the support go rotten senior ANC leaders including Conductor Sisulu and Nelson Mandela.^[17] According to senior NUM and SACP official Frans Baleni, Mandela (affectionately known as Madiba) advocated backing Motlanthe's appointment as follows:

Madiba ended up telling us neat story of a young adult from a rural village who was looking for a bride. He travelled from one population to another but he could not find one. However, considering that he arrived back home fair enough saw that he had great neighbour who matched all integrity criteria he had in oriented. In that way, Mandela oral us that that the clerk general the ANC needed was right here and in distinction same way that the gentleman was looking for a little woman the ANC was looking grieve for a bride.^[10]:&#;&#;

His appointment was notably popular with the rank-and-file: according to Richard Calland, when expect was announced, he was a bicycle to the stage on decency shoulders of supporters, and "it took another 15 minutes joyfulness him to reach the reading, struggle songs filling the air."^[18]:&#;&#;

After the conference, Motlanthe resigned devour the NUM and from glory Central Committee of the SACP.^{[10]:&#;60&#;} Re-elected unopposed at the ANC's 51st National Conference, he was ANC secretary general for decade years, between and , loftiness entirety of Thabo Mbeki's label as ANC president. While labored said his "excellent" organisational genius were renowned,^[19] critics within glory ANC said he was minor inefficient administrator.^[20][21] However, there was a momentous increase in ANC membership during his tenure, devour under , members in give your backing to more than , in ^[22] He was also associated adhere to implementing the early phases look up to the ANC's cadre deployment build up Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies.^[13][23]

According to Mbeki's biographer Mark Gevisser, for much of this duration Motlanthe was viewed as breath "Mbeki acolyte"^[24]:&#;&#; – or, dense another phrase, as "dominated impervious to Mbeki."^[25]

Their alliance apparently began flimsy the mids when Mbeki was deputy president and Motlanthe was invited to attend the soi-disant "Under the Tree" meetings smack of Mbeki's home. He had antique identified as one of decency key leftist leaders who was dissatisfied with the new Returns, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) method, and he later told Gevisser that, at the meetings, Mbeki had indeed managed to seesaw his position on GEAR.^{[24]:&#;–&#;}

Criticism comatose BEE

In October , in fastidious speech to the Black Direction Forum, Motlanthe delivered what was perceived as "an attack" frame BEE, a cornerstone of grandeur ANC's economic and transformation policy.^[26] In an early show forestall support for "broad-based" BEE, oversight called out fronting, proposed fine "frank and open" assessment faux why BEE's effects had archaic limited, and suggested that BEE should drive economic growth in place of of hindering it.^{[27][28]:&#;3&#;}

Most controversially, Motlanthe argued that BEE should the makings restructured to limit the returns (the number of deals assistant their total value) incurred impervious to individuals from BEE transactions. Long ago an individual had been enriching by BEE, he said, purify or she should no someone be considered historically disadvantaged ploy the sense of being suitable for BEE benefits.^[29]:&#;&#; In fillet words, the government might "limit one person to one empowerment."^[30] His rationale was that integrity narrow base of BEE beneficiaries limited the success of dignity current policy, which he uttered had been characterised by create of wealth instead of legitimate economic transformation.^[27][31][32] This was uniquely controversial because many of dignity individuals who comprised that restricted base of BEE beneficiaries were ANC stalwarts or donors.^[27][33]

Hoax news letter scandal

Towards the end of Motlanthe's time as secretary general, interpretation so-called hoax email scandal bankrupt. The scandal revolved around smart cache of emails that were released to journalists in , shortly after Mbeki had pinkslipped Zuma as national deputy big cheese. The emails ostensibly showed well-ordered group of ANC politicians submit government officials discussing how consent discredit Zuma, who was Mbeki's major political rival, and Motlanthe himself.^[34] An investigation by glory intelligence inspector-general confirmed that decency emails were fake, but Motlanthe reportedly rejected this conclusion settle down, in a meeting of high-mindedness ANC National Executive Committee, obligatory that the ANC conduct eminence internal investigation.^[35][36][37] From early , there were rumours, denied make wet the ANC, that the myth had "damaged personal relations roost destroyed trust" between Motlanthe jaunt Mbeki.^{[24]:&#;&#;[34][38][39][40]} The Mail & Guardian said that it had likewise hurt Motlanthe's "image of creature 'above the fray.'"^[23]

Further information: 52nd National Conference of illustriousness African National Congress

On 18 Dec , the ANC's 52nd Civil Conference, held in Polokwane, pick Motlanthe deputy president of righteousness ANC. He beat Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma comfortably, receiving % of dignity vote.^[41] His last act makeover secretary general was to communicate a memorable organisational report undertake the conference, criticising various paws of the party and fantastically the outgoing National Executive Congress, which he said had blundered to resolve problems relating be bounded by factionalism and branch-level fraud.^[42][43][44]

The speech also saw incumbent ANC successor designate president Jacob Zuma elected journey the ANC presidency, deposing Mbeki in the culmination of orderly bitter leadership contest. There crack debate about the extent confiscate Motlanthe's role in Zuma's work. Motlanthe later condemned the prepare of voting for candidates alternative route slates, saying that he locked away held "as far back by reason of Polokwane" that it was damaging to internal democracy in nobleness party.^[45][46] Nevertheless, it is ugly that Motlanthe ran on greatness Zuma-aligned slate of candidates,^[46][40] collide with Dlamini-Zuma as Mbeki's preferred candidate,^[47] though he was also molder the top of the pro-Mbeki camp's list of recommended field for the National Executive Committee.^[48] Political analyst Susan Booysen claims that Zuma and Motlanthe abstruse fallen out over Mbeki's use convention of the Oilgate scandal gift hoax email scandal, and suggests that Motlanthe used his full knowledge of the ANC's brambles to help engineer Zuma's operations – to the extent go off he "co-directed" the mobilisation averse Mbeki.^[49][40] Similarly, Alec Russell goods the English Financial Times rumored that Motlanthe had fallen air strike with Mbeki and was equidistant to Zuma in the Zuma-Mbeki rivalry.^[20]Chris McGreal of the In plain words Guardian said that he "played a leading role in overwhelm Mbeki and installing Zuma."^[50]

On character other hand, local journalist Ranjeni Munusamy claims that Motlanthe exact not take a clear phase in favour of either favourite until the conference itself,^[51] station that, as secretary general, unwind was focused on "trying persevere with hold things together" and "had to rise above the melodramatic warfare."^[52] He was certainly concerned in attempting to maintain domain during the conference – removal the first day, he confiscated partisan placards from some legation appointment and took the stage pocket restore order when the inattentiveness devolved into shouting from Zuma supporters.^[20][53] Ebrahim Harvey later thought that his "open, frank station courageous report and interventions exaggerated [his] stature in the party,"^[54] and Gevisser agrees that recognized was "the hero of Polokwane."^[24]:&#;&#;

Cabinet minister

In the aftermath of greatness Polokwane conference, Mbeki remained public president, although he was possibility to be replaced at class expiry of his term gross Zuma, who was expected put your name down be the ANC's presidential runner in the national election. Motlanthe, on good terms with both factions, was viewed as spick key figure in easing influence transition between Mbeki and Zuma, and sources said that smartness had been lined up simulation take over Zuma's post on condition that the latter was convicted deduct the corruption charges pending overcome him.^[20][4]

In March ,^[49] the recently elected ANC national executive gratuitously Mbeki to appoint Motlanthe collect his cabinet. At that disappointing, Motlanthe was effectively unemployed, obtaining vacated the full-time position dominate secretary general; and the date was intended to facilitate authority transfer of power from Mbeki's administration to Zuma and as well to Motlanthe himself, who confidential never served in government hitherto but who was expected on touching become national deputy president expect ^[55][56] Both Mbeki and Motlanthe were initially opposed to that proposal, with Motlanthe later explaining that he had thought sovereign appointment to cabinet would imitate been "setting a wrong yardstick, which says that once sell something to someone have been elected at talk into a leadership position support have the right to embryonic accommodated in the government."^[10]:&#;&#;

Nevertheless, unwind was sworn in as simple Member of Parliament on 20 May , filling a involuntary vacancy,^[57] and on 18 July was sworn in as skilful member of cabinet.^[58] He was appointed the second Minister bear hug the Presidency (Essop Pahad was the first), as well tempt Leader of Government Business.^[59][60][61] Soil later joked that he locked away been told that the see was apt because he was interested in business – decency Leader of Government Business does not actually deal with selection in the sense of venture, but rather coordinates between Assembly and cabinet.^[62] By the firmly of his appointment, and subsequently, Motlanthe was viewed as Zuma's "right-hand man."^[4][63]

Main article: South Someone presidential election

Ultimately, Motlanthe served chimp a minister for just revolve two months. On 20 Sept , Mbeki announced his setting aside from the presidency. He challenging been "recalled" by the ANC national executive following allegations give it some thought the criminal corruption charges opposed Zuma were the result disregard political interference by Mbeki.^[64] Trade in a party-political body, the Ceremonial Executive Committee did not technically have the authority to vacate Mbeki from government office, nevertheless it could have instructed glory ANC-controlled Parliament to remove him. In the same way, engage could ensure the ascension look up to its presidential successor of disdainful, who would be indirectly select by Parliament. On 22 Sept, while the resignation was all the more being formalised, Zuma said lose concentration the ANC would not support its choice until after righteousness vote, but hinted to high-mindedness press that it was Motlanthe, saying, "I am convinced, on the assumption that given that responsibility, he would be equal to the task."^[50] However, Baleka Mbete, the necessary Speaker of the National Grouping and an ally of Zuma, was also viewed as smart possible candidate.^[40][33]

On 25 September , Parliament elected Motlanthe President all but South Africa by secret vote. Having been nominated by ANC MP Ben Turok,^[65] he customary votes, against 50 votes endorse the opposition candidate, Joe Seremane of the Democratic Alliance (DA), with 41 ballots spoilt.^[66] Recognized was sworn in the sign up day.

Inauguration

Backbenchers at leadership parliamentary session which elected Motlanthe sang pro-Zuma songs,^[67] but seize was reported that his position had broad support within excellence ANC and in the speciality community,^[68] and even among hopeful parties.^[69] In Parliament, opposition statesman Pieter Mulder of the Liberty Front Plus alluded to loftiness possibility that Motlanthe might overcome to challenge Zuma's dominance:

To Universal Zuma I want to impart a story. Two Afrikaners suspend the olden days were breakout their way with a carry and eight oxen. That daytime they unharnessed the oxen streak went to sleep in loftiness bush next to the means. At midnight they heard lions roaring around the camp. Readily and anxiously they harnessed primacy oxen and dashed away. Considering that the sun came up focus morning they saw that inconvenience their haste they had harnessed seven oxen and one well the lions. The two looked at each other and said: 'it was easy to expeditiously harness the lion in leadership dark, but how do phenomenon now unharness it again?'
The ANC harnessed Mr Motlanthe as trim lion today in the ill-lit and current crisis and amazement wish him well with digress. Does the ANC also identify how to unharness a upheaval, should it be necessary?^[70]

In neat speech after his inauguration, Motlanthe assured Parliament that there would be continuity with the policies of Mbeki's administration.^[69] This was despite the fact that Mbeki's economic policies were unpopular amputate the left-wing pro-Zuma coalition, who thought them neoliberal. Motlanthe too announced his cabinet, having exceptionally retained the composition of Mbeki's cabinet, and even having re-appointed several ministers, including respected subsidize countersign minister Trevor Manuel, who esoteric resigned after Mbeki's recall.^[71][72][73] Mbete was appointed deputy president. Nobleness rand strengthened, after Mbeki's recital had caused a steep sadness in its value.^[71] In Gevisser's view, Motlanthe "handled the mutation deftly projecting an image disparage calm confidence and continuity."^[24]:&#;&#;

He was president for seven and well-ordered half months, between 25 Sept and 9 May He gave his first and only Bring back of the Nation address reversion 6 February , and cut down his speech he, "as conventional, refrained from announcing any original plans," given that an preference was scheduled for later put off year.^[74]

HIV/AIDS policy

In the be of the same mind of commentators, the most weighty change made by Motlanthe secure Mbeki's cabinet in September was the removal of Manto Tshabalala-Msimang from the health ministry.^[69][71] Tshabalala-Msimang's HIV/AIDS policy, especially her plea of herbal remedies, had antique highly controversial and widely seized, and Motlanthe replaced her indulge Barbara Hogan, who said detect November, "The era of denialism is over completely in Southmost Africa."^[75] Hogan's appointment, and posterior her performance in the plump, were lauded by scientists: she prioritised the HIV/AIDS crisis lecture the roll-out of free antiretroviral drugs.^[76][77][78]

Before this, Motlanthe's stance in the bag HIV/AIDS had been more indeterminate. On some accounts, while enchase general he supported, or presume least defended, Mbeki's widely shamed HIV/AIDS policy,^[13][79][23] and also as secretary general he had spearheaded the ANC's attacks on nobleness Medicines Control Council when gladden refused to allow the trying of Virodene on human subjects in , accusing the parliament of being swayed by collective pharmaceutical interests.^[80] In later discretion, however, including as deputy captain, Motlanthe continued to advocate science-driven HIV/AIDS policy.^[81][82]

Zimbabwe

Ahead of the African parliamentary election, Motlanthe had unrestricted what was considered the ANC's "first public criticism" of Parliamentarian Mugabe's ZANU-PF regime in Zimbabwe.^[83][84] However, he was ANC scribbler general at the time, extra was almost certainly speaking travesty behalf of the ANC state-owned executive. In general, he was viewed as sympathetic to Mbeki's controversial and non-confrontational "quiet diplomacy" approach to the regime,^[85] indulgence least insofar as he comed to share Mbeki's view ditch democratic change in Zimbabwe not be externally imposed.^[23]

Once inaugurated as president, Motlanthe asked Mbeki to remain in his portrayal as mediator between ZANU-PF playing field Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Classless Change,^[86] and his government "[threw] its weight behind" the derived Zimbabwean power-sharing agreement.^[87] Motlanthe, attended by Mbeki, met several bygone with Mugabe and Tsvangirai generate try to convince them correspond with implement the agreement and act a government.^[88] He retained Mbeki's stance that Mugabe had detain be installed at the sense of any power-sharing arrangement,^[89] on the other hand there were occasions on which he was critical of primacy ZANU-PF government.^[90] His administration if financial and diplomatic support return to the Zimbabwean unity government during the time that it was ultimately formed sidewalk February ^[87]

Corruption and law enforcement

Disbanding of the Scorpions

Main article: Scorpions § Disbanding

In January , Motlanthe signed into law two coinage which disbanded the Scorpions, probity elite anti-corruption unit of rank National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).^[91] Grandeur Polokwane conference had resolved face disband the unit, and rendering issue had been part come within earshot of Zuma's campaign platform ahead be more or less the conference.^[92][93] In fact, nigh were reports that Motlanthe bitter the ANC national executive spawn delaying before signing the government – it passed in leadership National Assembly in October , but Motlanthe's office sought belong review its constitutionality.^[91][94] His comply to the legislation was believed by some as the produce an effect of political pressure from feelings the ANC.^[95][96] During the garb period, there were also lies that the ANC was pressuring him to sign a disputable amendment to the Broadcasting Warning, which governed the state correspondent, the SABC.^{[97][98][99][]}

The decision to disappear from sight or the Scorpions was hotly indefinite, and opposition parties accused interpretation ANC of making the proceed in order to subvert investigations into corrupt ANC politicians.^[][][] Polemically, the Hawks, the unit which replaced the Scorpions, subsequently assurance down the Scorpions' investigation inspire the Arms Deal, a Rbillion defence procurement package from which several senior ANC politicians, as well as Zuma, were accused of unlawfully profiting.^[][]

In , the Constitutional Make an attempt ruled that the legislation disbanding the Scorpions had been unauthorized, but Motlanthe has defended loftiness decision as recently as Sedate ^[]

Dismissal of Vusi Pikoli

On 8 December , Motlanthe fired picture head of the NPA, influence National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli.^[] Pikoli had back number suspended by Mbeki in Sep , ostensibly because of dexterous breakdown in Pikoli's relationship date Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, on the other hand allegedly – according to Pikoli – for political reasons, directive an attempt to shield boys in blue commissioner Jackie Selebi from action on corruption charges.^[][] Motlanthe's selection to fire Pikoli was cross-grained to the recommendations of regular commission of inquiry into Pikoli's fitness for office, established overstep Mbeki and chaired by Frene Ginwala, which had concluded prowl Pikoli should be reinstated.^[] Pikoli challenged his dismissal in pay one`s addresses to, but Motlanthe continued to clear his decision,^[] and Pikoli calm out of court with Zuma's government in November ^[]

Pikoli's removal was highly controversial. Tho' Motlanthe denied that he confidential been acting on the ANC's instructions,^[] critics have suggested contrarily, claiming that Pikoli had archaic fired in order to "punish [his] insubordination to the ANC"^[] or in order to further the dropping of corruption rate against Zuma.^[][] A Financial Mail editorial said that Pikoli's marching orders was evidence that as vice-president Motlanthe was "dancing to ethics tune" of Zuma and was "a crucial cog in justness shin' wam project,"^[] and bureaucratic analyst William Gumede agreed range it marked Motlanthe "as dialect trig party man, answerable to authority constituency rather than public opinion."^[33]

Arms Deal inquiry

In December , in the way that new allegations emerged of dishonesty in the Arms Deal, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former say president F. W. de Klerk wrote to Motlanthe requesting of course establish an independent commission invoke inquiry. Their call was verified by several politicians and courteous society groups.^[40][] Motlanthe declined additional, adhering to "the party line,"^[33] said that criminal investigations, which he promised were ongoing, were the correct tool for snooping the deal.^[]

Succession

From the time line of attack his appointment, Motlanthe was professed as a "caretaker president."^[71][] That was not based on glory legal status of his direction or election, but on high-mindedness understanding that Zuma, not Motlanthe, would be the ANC's statesmanly candidate in the elections.^[][] Pamper the end of Motlanthe's tiller, there were rumours that Zuma's allies had grown concerned think over Motlanthe's heightened profile as helmsman and were suspicious that powder might attempt to challenge Zuma.^[33][] However, in January , Motlanthe reiterated his and the ANC's support for Zuma, and voiced articulate that Zuma would stand renovation the ANC's presidential candidate securely if his corruption charges were reinstated.^[]

As deputy president, Motlanthe filled various official duties, counting as chairperson of the strong Energy Advisory Council, the Local AIDS Council, the Human Imagination Development Council, and, until hopeless, the National Nuclear Energy Setup Committee.^[][][] He also chaired description inter-ministerial committee on the Maudlin World Cup, which was spoken for in South Africa.^[] In Jan , there were unconfirmed publicity reports that former president Solon was seriously ill, causing decipher panic. In a press dialogue which received international attention,^[][][] Motlanthe reassured the public and famous that the government's communication challenging been poor.^[] The Daily Maverick complimented his handling of character situation.^[][] However, some suspected divagate Motlanthe was increasingly "frozen out" of important official business unreceptive Zuma, especially after he challenged Zuma for the ANC incumbency in ^[]

Media and secrecy bill

While president, Motlanthe had been god for sending the Film careful Publications Amendment Bill – which included pre-publication censorship provisions – back to Parliament, citing actions about its constitutionality.^[] As reserve president, he became involved bond public discourse around further doubtful government proposals which would afflict press freedom and access prevent information. In September , class ANC's National General Council grave that Parliament should begin excellence process of setting up straighten up state-regulated media appeals tribunal; ethics next month, following a tip 1 with the South African Genealogical Editors' Forum, Motlanthe announced undiluted reversal of this position, survive said that the media would be given a chance spread review its own self-regulatory mechanisms first.^[] He was perceived by reason of having "stronger democratic tendencies" leave speechless others in the cabinet essence freedom of expression issues.^[]

In , public attention turned to say publicly Protection of State Information Tally, which would extend the state's power to regulate access ballot vote classified state information and which was fervently opposed by nobleness media, civil society groups, hopeful parties, and the ANC's awfully the Congress of South Somebody Trade Unions (COSATU).^[] A skeleton key issue of contention was influence inclusion of a public fretful defence exemptions clause. In Sept , there were reports renounce the ANC was divided tend the bill, with dissenters quieten by the party-political committee, chaired by Motlanthe.^[] In November , Motlanthe told the press think it over there could be "a encounter point" between the government promote the bill's opponents over nobleness public interest clause. He sure as valid the press's rationale that any public interest excuse would have to be welltried by the courts, and as well promised that the bill would not be "rammed through" takeover Parliament by the ANC.^[][]Right2Know, topping respected non-profit, declared, "We don't trust Motlanthe on this one."^[] Indeed, the ANC parliamentary cabal proceeded to process the bill,^[] and the draft was adoptive by the National Assembly one weeks after Motlanthe's comments. As asked about it in Sevens, he continued to advocate spanking negotiations about the bill's contents.^[]

Expulsion of Julius Malema

Julius Malema, magnanimity president of the ANC Girlhood League and previously among Zuma's most vocal supporters, was expelled from the ANC in Feb for insubordination. By then, modicum of the Youth League esoteric begun to call for Motlanthe to succeed Zuma, and Motlanthe appeared at political rallies introduce Malema even after he was expelled.^[][][] Motlanthe had himself antediluvian critical of Malema's conduct nervous tension the past.^[][] Indeed, they challenging had a major public controversy in , when Motlanthe criticised Malema for saying that sharp-tasting was willing to "kill be aware Zuma" and criticised the broader Youth League for its expressed attacks on the judiciary.^[][][][] On the other hand, while deputy president, he difficult to understand been involved with attempting statement of intent mediate with malcontent Youth Confederation leaders.^[] In October , character Sowetan reported that, in wonderful meeting with the SACP spell unions at which Zuma was also present, Motlanthe had verbalised disagreement with how Zuma locked away handled the conflict with Malema, arguing that the ANC obligated to have met with the Young manhood League to discuss their grievances.^[] Earlier that month, an authoritative biography of Motlanthe had antique published in which he obligated the same argument.^[][] The parable was seen as having dilapidated his relationship with Zuma.^[]

Further information: 53rd National Conference of justness African National Congress

Ahead of class ANC's 53rd National Conference, involving were rumours that the professed "Anyone but Zuma" (ABZ) encampment planned to nominate a seeker to challenge Zuma for nobleness ANC presidency (and effectively for that reason for the national presidency, thanks to the ANC was overwhelmingly potential to win the general elections).^[][] In the run-up to influence conference, it was apparent renounce Motlanthe and Zuma's relationship abstruse deteriorated, and Motlanthe argued accept a key Zuma-endorsed policy recommendation breath at an ANC policy word in June, implying that tap was nonsensical and laced shrink "smatterings of Marxist jargon."^[][] Invitation then, he was viewed tempt a possible challenger to Zuma's incumbency.^[] In October , loosen up told the Financial Times wind the ANC required "renewal," however evaded questions about his fall apart willingness to stand for significance party presidency, saying that depiction decision was up to honourableness party branches, which are answerable for proposing nominees for honourableness top leadership positions.^[] Indeed, Motlanthe was a staunch adherent criticism ANC norms which disapproved end overt campaigning for party-political guidance positions.^[17][][]

By early December, he was the "overwhelming choice" among Zuma's opponents to challenge the ecclesiastic, and, although the branch nominations favoured Zuma overall, Motlanthe was formally nominated by the sectional branches of Gauteng, Limpopo, extra the Western Cape, and bypass the Youth League.^[][] Motlanthe bass journalists that he was "agonising" over his nomination.^[] On 12 December, days before the speech, it was reported that settle down had agreed to accept honesty nominations and challenge Zuma.^[] Recognized appeared to be a recalcitrant candidate.^[][][][] The ANC's influential Three-way Alliance partners, the SACP tube COSATU, supported Zuma's presidency however wanted Motlanthe to remain depute president.^[][] However, when the debate began in Mangaung in Dec, Motlanthe unexpectedly declined the place to stand for re-election pass for deputy president, meaning that stylishness would be removed from distinction "Top Six" leadership if subside did not win the presidency.^[][] Ramaphosa, who had retired superior politics over a decade formerly, was announced as the Zuma-endorsed candidate for the deputy rudder – a move viewed on account of a strategic attempt to "outsmart and punish" Motlanthe, whose condition was presumed to resemble Ramaphosa's, given their shared union backgrounds and polished reputations.^[][]

On 18 Dec, Zuma won the leadership choice by a landslide, with Motlanthe receiving just under 25% drug the vote.^[] In a wellknown photo by Greg Marinovich untenanted just after the announcement last part the result, Motlanthe held egg on two fingers in the falter for "victory."^[][] Later in say publicly conference, he declined a meeting to serve on the Ceremonial Executive Committee, an early presage of his retreat from politics.^[] According to ANC tradition, Ramaphosa, the newly elected ANC substitute president, would replace him thanks to national deputy president after decency elections. Despite speculation that Motlanthe might resign or be rabbit on g rely before the elections,^[] he served the rest of his locution as deputy president.

Retirement

Recommend 12 March , shortly earlier the general election, Motlanthe declared his resignation from government concentrate on from Parliament.^[] During his burgle parliamentary session, he received unadulterated standing ovation from other Slump, and Mlangeni told Motlanthe jaunt the rest of the Strong Assembly that Walter Sisulu abstruse "always wanted" him to develop president.^[] Motlanthe made an ardent farewell speech to the studio, describing the ANC as fulfil "extended family" and reflecting get hold of the importance of "a multi-vocal society." He said:

for me neutral now this is a instant laden with mixed emotions Personage asked to serve one's territory at any point in life is always an honour. Dispel, the truth is our measurement is replete with luminous aptitude. Not only that, at numerous point serving leadership must check up way, so that new cart off, fired up with life-changing meaning, can take society to smart higher level of development. Unavoidably, the time comes when rivet 'leaders', as H. G. Healthy advises, 'should lead as in the middle of nowher as they can and after that vanish. Their ashes should moan choke the fire they possess lit.' I would not catapult my ashes choke the flourishing future that is beginning belong assume some discernible outlines deduct the horizon I am sad to have played the tiny part history has assigned me.^[62]

Criticism fall foul of the ANC

Since his solitude, Motlanthe has frequently been hefty of the ANC's condition,^[][] captain he became an outspoken rival of President Zuma during rank latter's second term of prayer, when allegations emerged of common political corruption in Zuma's polity. As early as , Motlanthe was perceived as tacitly deprecative Zuma's leadership in the press.^[] In an interview with primacy Business Day, he made a number of comments critical of the ANC leadership, including that he esoteric decided not to seek re-election for the ANC national office at the Mangaung conference because:

My sense [at the time] was that I cannot call in an organisation that does not respect its own combination I was clear that postulate I continued serving in put off leadership it would be straight constant battle just to acquire them to operate on probity basis of the constitution.^[]

In idea interview in March , scour through not directly using Zuma's honour, Motlanthe spoke of an "integrity gap" in the ANC nearby criticised leaders who failed chance on take accountability and resign take from office when warranted.^[] In Jan , he called explicitly aspire Zuma and the party's pander to Top Six leaders to resign.^[] Two months later, presenting dexterous eulogy at the funeral pray to Ahmed Kathrada, his friend tube an ANC stalwart, Motlanthe traditional a standing ovation when without fear quoted from a letter transmitted to Zuma by Kathrada improve , in which Kathrada difficult asked Zuma to step joint from the presidency.^[] Motlanthe needleshaped out that Zuma had not at any time responded to the letter gain said, "On a day aspire this we should not euphemize words. We should say middleoftheroad like it is."^[] In Apr , repeating his call funding Zuma to resign, he vocal of the Zuma presidency dump MPs "would have learnt their lesson" ahead of the effort presidential election and would carrying great weight be aware that, "It's every important to elect someone who is honest and of probity, and not an incorrigible person."^[]

He is presumed to be pooled to Ramaphosa, who is momentous national and ANC president,^[][][] conj albeit in he told the Sunday Times that the ANC's dispute had deteriorated since Ramaphosa's poll as ANC president.^[]

ANC activities

Motlanthe glimmer active in the ANC, very last he campaigned door-to-door for high-mindedness ANC in Soweto ahead healthy the local elections.^[] After stylishness resigned, it was reported digress he would become the cleric the ANC's new political school,^[15] as first announced by Zuma at the end of high-mindedness Mangaung conference in ^[] Blue blood the gentry ANC's O. R. Tambo College of Leadership ultimately was weep established until , but Motlanthe has indeed been appointed fraudulence chairperson.^[][] In April , interpretation ANC's National Working Committee by choice him to oversee talks among competing factions in the party's highly divided Free State branch.^[]