SABC News’ exclusive interview with former South African President Jacob Zuma saw many flocking to the public broadcaster’s YouTube channel on Wednesday to gain insight into Zuma’s state of mind amid tensions in the African National Congress (ANC).
The exclusive interview was broadcast live on SABC News and its online platforms a few minutes after the ANC announced its intentions to call for a motion of no confidence in Jacob Zuma.
By Thursday afternoon, the exclusive SABC livestream had more than 380 000 views, making it one of the top-watched live streams on SABC News channels.
After hours of waiting for then President Jacob Zuma’s official response to the ANC’s request for him to resign, many streamed the video titled “President Zuma recall part 2” to find out if Zuma would resign or not.
The video, published on Wednesday evening, saw over 200 000 views by Thursday evening.
Social media trends
#ZumaHasFallen dominated local South African social media, a day after the former president announced his resignation.
63.7% of South Africans posts on social media has the hashtag #ZumaHasFallen on Thursday afternoon.
“Gupta” has 8.4% followed by “Malema/EFF” with 7.6% of the posts after EFF leader Julius Malema gave a press briefing about Jacob Zuma’s resignation and the party’s intention to have the current Parliament dissolved.
EFF Media Briefing, 15 February 2018
“Cyril Ramaphosa” took the third spot with 7.1% as the party prepared to have him sworn in as President on Thursday evening.
Ramaphosa was nominated acting president of South Africa.
Zuma resigns dominates SA news
Jacob Zuma’s resignation also dominated local new. “Zuma Resign” dominated reports taking 43.9% of the reports in the last seven days to Thursday.
“Cyril Ramaphosa” took the second spot with 22.2% and “State Capture” taking 20.9% of the reports.
