The succession debate has gained full momentum and a lot has been said about the suitability of Jacob Zuma to lead the ANC, and ultimately the country.

The succession debate has gained full momentum and a lot has been said about the suitability of Jacob Zuma to lead the ANC, and ultimately the country.

Zuma has a proven leadership track record in the ANC and nothing disqualifies him from leading the party or the country. He sacrificed his entire life to liberate this country and experienced first-hand the atrocities of the past regime.

When Thabo Mbeki came into power there was a lot of disgruntlement and disapproval about his suitability to fill Nelson Mandela's shoes.

Now, all of a sudden, after two terms in office, Mbeki is given the thumbs up and Zuma is frowned upon. Let Zuma prove his mettle. The sceptics have been proven wrong over and over again, so why should we listen to them?

Zuma is detested because he is branded a populist which, frankly, does not disqualify him.

A Zuma presidency is fully endorsed by the majority of ANC grassroots membership, so whether his detractors like it or not, he will emerge triumphant.

The democratic forces of the ANC, Cosatu, SACP, YCL and ANCYL should intensify their efforts to ensure that the leadership is not hijacked by elements who are out of touch with the harsh realities being experienced by the grassroots membership.

Patrick Rampai JohannesburgJohannesburg