BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI- The handshake between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and former President Jacob Zuma at the eZulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre has moved beyond symbolism, with both leaders now expressing a desire to meet again and have tea together in what is being viewed as a possible thaw in their long-standing political rivalry.
The two political heavyweights, whose strained relationship has shaped South Africa’s political landscape since 2017, were seen exchanging a warm handshake, laughter and brief conversation during a high-profile gathering in Eswatini held in honour of His Majesty King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee and 58th birthday celebrations.
Following that encounter, discussions have emerged around a possible personal meeting between the two leaders, where they intend to sit down, share tea, and openly engage on political differences in a more relaxed and human setting.
Both leaders have since expressed openness to further engagement in informal settings.
Zuma, speaking during a video aired on SABC News, said “I’ll be meeting Ramaphosa and we will have tea to talk and tell him that we can’t fight over things we shouldn’t be fighting about.”
He added that he had recently seen the President and believed dialogue was necessary going forward.
On his part, President Ramaphosa was also quoted by the media as welcoming the idea of engagement, saying:
“Tea with everyone is always welcomed. I am open to talking to anyone.”
The development comes after their public encounter in Eswatini, which marked their first notable interaction since Zuma’s exit from the ANC leadership and the formation of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in 2023, a move that further deepened political divisions in South Africa.
At the Ezulwini event, the two leaders were seen in unusually cordial spirits, a moment that has since sparked speculation that personal engagement could help soften political tensions between their respective camps.
The Eswatini celebrations, which ran from April 24 to April 27, 2026, brought together several African heads of state and are now being remembered for unexpected moments of political warmth amid long-standing rivalries.
While no official date has been confirmed, the possibility of Zuma and Ramaphosa meeting again this time for tea and a direct conversation has already generated strong public interest across South Africa and the region.
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