Jacob Zuma has made a dramatic comeback in South Africa's elections, raising the question of whether he will have the last laugh over his rival, President Cyril Ramaphosa. Zuma, a controversial figure with a long history in South African politics, has been embroiled in corruption scandals and legal battles in recent years. Despite this, his political influence remains strong, as evidenced by his recent success in the local government elections. Zuma's comeback can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, he still enjoys significant support within the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in South Africa. Many party members and supporters remain loyal to Zuma, viewing him as a champion of the poor and marginalized. Zuma's populist rhetoric and charismatic leadership style have endeared him to a significant segment of the population, particularly in rural areas and townships. Furthermore, Zuma's legal troubles have not deterred his supporters from rallying behind him. While he faces ongoing corruption charges and court cases, many South Africans see these legal challenges as politically motivated attempts to undermine his influence. Zuma has skillfully portrayed himself as a victim of a biased judiciary and has used his legal battles to garner sympathy and support among his followers. In contrast, President Ramaphosa's leadership has faced growing criticism in recent years. Despite his initial promises to root out corruption and revitalize the economy, Ramaphosa has struggled to deliver on his commitments. His administration has been plagued by infighting, allegations of cronyism, and a lack of concrete progress on key issues such as unemployment and poverty. This has eroded public confidence in his ability to lead effectively and deliver meaningful change. Against this backdrop, Zuma's resurgence poses a significant challenge to Ramaphosa's authority within the ANC and the broader political landscape. Zuma's continued presence and influence could complicate Ramaphosa's efforts to consolidate power within the party and implement his policy agenda. With Zuma's support base still firmly intact, he remains a potent force in South African politics, capable of shaping the country's political future in unforeseen ways. Looking ahead, the rivalry between Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to intensify as South Africa heads towards national elections. Zuma's comeback signals a resurgence of populist politics and grassroots mobilization within the ANC, challenging the party's traditional power structures and ideological direction. Whether Zuma will ultimately have the last laugh over Ramaphosa remains to be seen, but his unexpected resurgence has undoubtedly reshaped the political landscape in South Africa.