The problem is much more than just Zuma

Under the current rules governing the election of a president, our head of state will remain in office until recalled by his party.

Calls for a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma are not only tiring but show that the opposition has no avenue for removing him.

On the other hand, the ANC cannot just dismiss the opposition's gymnastics and go through the motions, safe in the knowledge that Zuma is here to stay.

Yesterday's drama in the National Assembly, when the motion of no confidence in Zuma was debated, tells us that we are going around in circles. Only the ANC has the power to remove Zuma.

The question South Africans need to ask is at what point do citizens have the power to remove a head of state between elections?

In finding an answer, South Africa will enter a new phase in which it starts to hold the executive accountable.

The opposition seems too focused on Zuma and fails to arrive at conclusions that will serve future generations.

Zuma is just a speed bump in the middle of the democratic highway. He cannot be blamed for the collapse of the state.

Voters must put the spotlight on the quality of leadership across all the parties in parliament if we are serious about the future and where we want the Republic taken.

Some MPs yesterday raised issues around our electoral system, which empowers a political party to select the head of state. Zuma and all ANC leaders after him will continue to serve the ANC executive more assiduously than the citizens.

The electoral system still works for us today but the challenges we face, and the demands our people place on our leaders, require a major overhaul of how we elect a president.

Whatever we do, we should avoid making laws that deal with Zuma only. If the ANC and the opposition are serious about our future, they should look beyond Zuma.