Over two decades after taking power, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is less associated with national liberation than with corruption, cronyism, and neoliberal economic policies.

But they’re finally facing a wave of protest from the left. Over the last few days, protest marches, “sleep-outs,” and mass rallies by a combination of trade unions, liberals, leftists, communists, and white middle-class suburbanites together have identified President Jacob Zuma as the reason for the country’s current crisis. The demand is that Zuma resign and leave office. Though Zuma is not new to opposition, even from within his own party since his election in 2009, his decision last week to fire his dependable finance minister and eight other cabinet ministers sparked renewed calls for his resignation.

Removing Zuma from office, however, is easier said than done. He has proven a wily adversary, able to bounce back from incredible setbacks. And without a credible vision of an alternative politics, the movement against Zuma will lead to just another dead end for the country.