A RADICAL change of mindset is probably the only hope left to save the ANC from itself, with the exception of changing the political leadership that is failing in its mandate to serve the people.

Being one of government's critics and a fearless leader in the current political dispensation, whose consistency has become the voice of reason in the tripartite alliance, general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi calls for a "Damascus", suggesting that the only solution was for God to show our modern-day "Saul" the light so that he might do things differently.

Biblically, the road to Damascus marked the transformation of Saul from a persecutor of Christians to a follower of Jesus.

This transformation took place after a blinding light shot down from the heavens towards Saul and a divine voice asked why he was persecuting Christians - and ultimately God himself.

It is important to note the irony in Vavi's analogy: Who is the Saul? Zuma or the ANC? And at what stage of blindness is this Saul now?

According to Vavi the road to Damascus, or this mindset shift, will take place now as the ANC celebrates its centenary year.

Vavi was spitting venom last week during the last instalment of the Sowetan Dialogues in Pretoria, as he described the country in its current state as an unpleasant place to live in.

Vavi wants Mangaung to represent real change.

While the biblical tale of Saul might not be the most perfect example, Vavi's point was that Zuma and his leadership, including the troubled alliance, need to reconnect with the masses. The recent tragedy in Marikana where 44 people were killed in a labour dispute involving management at Lonmin platinum mine and workers was just one example of his detachment from society.

The ANC was undoubtedly at a crossroads, with "mindless" factional battles threatening to cripple it. Vavi believes a radical conversion of mind would guarantee an end to that, including looting of state funds by politicians, and self- serving interests.

He promised to delve into the crisis within the ANC and the need for a mindset change to clamp down on factionalism, patronage and corruption when he delivers his organisational report at the Cosatu congress next Monday.

While he raises some genuine concerns, Vavi's about-turn, prompted by the worsening economic conditions under the ANC-led government, has ruffled few feathers and unquestionably earned him political enemies within the alliance itself.

Ironically, those who are seeking Zuma's re-election in Mangaung in the Free State in December see Vavi as a possible threat to their campaign because he is thought to be in cahoots with those who are plotting to remove Zuma from power.

Zuma can't be too pleased with either as this week he lambasted "those who are clever" for exaggerating the weaknesses of his government.

The not so perfect picture painted by critics like Vavi could be a blow for Zuma, who hopes to retain his position as president of the ANC. Though Vavi has not openly endorsed anyone to replace Zuma, it would be naïve to assume that he has been neutral in all these factional battles.

While Cosatu president S'dumo Dlamini sang Zuma's praises, Vavi had played his cards close to his chest and unreservedly warned ANC leaders they would be removed for their failure to perform.

He was also not shy to tell those who whisper behind his back about a need to replace him for his individualistic tendencies, to come out and contest his position.