AT face value the move by the Mbhazima Shilowa-supporting group in the Congress of the People saga to look for a "neutral" to lead the party sounds commendable.

AT face value the move by the Mbhazima Shilowa-supporting group in the Congress of the People saga to look for a "neutral" to lead the party sounds commendable.

Several commentators have posited this position as the only solution to the intractable leadership battle between Shilowa and Mosiuoa Lekota.

But looking at what has been going on within the party, the move can only come to naught. In fact as things are, it will most probably only amount to another delay of the inevitable - a split within the party.

The "third way" proposal is not new. It was initially proposed by the Lekota camp. The Shilowa camp spurned it.

The reality is that the divisions are so deeply etched that even a "neutral" leadership will find it difficult to mend them.

It is about time Lekota and Shilowa realise that as long a political ambition drives them they can never work together.