What SA President Zuma’s free higher education for some will mean for ANC Elective Conference

The atmosphere at the ANC's 54th National Conference at NASREC is charged with anticipation and speculation as key figures like Professor Susan Booysen from the Wits University School of Governance shed light on the potential impact of President Jacob Zuma's latest announcement regarding free higher education for families with a combined annual income of less than 350,000. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Professor Booysen expressed her views on the matter, suggesting that this announcement may be President Zuma's desperate attempt to salvage a positive legacy in the face of numerous controversies and challenges during his tenure. Zuma's presidency has been marred by various scandals and criticisms, leading to a largely negative perception of his leadership both within the ANC and the broader South African society. As the curtain falls on his time in office, the announcement of free higher education stands out as a significant policy move that could potentially alter the narrative of his legacy. Despite the positive implications of the announcement, questions linger about the practicality and financial sustainability of the initiative, prompting scrutiny from stakeholders and the public. The conference attendees are closely monitoring the developments, with speculation rife about the impact of Zuma's announcement on the ANC's future trajectory. The announcement, while heralded as a positive step towards accessible education for disadvantaged families, also carries implications for the broader political landscape, especially in the context of the upcoming ANC Elective Conference and the leadership transition that is expected to take place. With Zuma's presidency teetering on its final moments, this announcement serves as a crucial juncture for reflection on his tenure and the decisions that have defined his leadership. The debate surrounding free higher education encapsulates the complexities and challenges faced by the ANC as it navigates a critical juncture in its history, with implications that extend far beyond President Zuma's legacy.