×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

ANC December conference could split the ruling party

South African President Jacob Zuma greets supporters at a rally to commemorate the 105th birthday of his ruling African National Congress (ANC), in Soweto, South Africa, January 8, 2017. REUTERS/James Oatway
South African President Jacob Zuma greets supporters at a rally to commemorate the 105th birthday of his ruling African National Congress (ANC), in Soweto, South Africa, January 8, 2017. REUTERS/James Oatway

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped out of the shadows and is oozing confidence.

He is traversing the country interacting with ANC structures. Some have already expressed an intention to nominate him for the position of ANC president.

He is now hoping to attract sufficient support.

In several public addresses lately, either on ANC or government platforms, Ramaphosa always gives an indication of how he will change the ANC should he succeed President Jacob Zuma.

He intends to fight corruption in government and also wants to unite the governing party.

He has also criticised the leadership conduct he believes is responsible for dwindling support.

Ramaphosa has gone as far as even contradicting Zuma, saying ANC alliance partners can comment on the ruling party's matters, while Zuma says they should not voice their opinion.

Ramaphosa's position is powerful in the ANC and in the government, but his public messages show he does not have the ear of Zuma.

He currently enjoys the support of some leaders in the ANC who are unhappy with the president, and already enjoys the support of Cosatu which has openly backed him to take over from Zuma.

Cosatu's support is important for Ramaphosa because it means the workers have rejected Zuma and whoever he will anoint.

While the South African Communist Party (SACP) has not expressed its preference, many believe Ramaphosa has a backing within its ranks of those opposed to Zuma's faction. The SACP and Cosatu have called on the president to step down.

Some are saying Zuma remains strong in the ANC and the party's December conference will just be a formality when it sits as his supporters will have a clean sweep.

Those who support Zuma want former African Union Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to be president.

Zuma has proved that he is a smart politician. He can play chess to get rid of his detractors.

 

 

He has worked very hard on the ground to ensure that all his people will end up leading the ANC as he needs protection from looming corruption charges.

EFF leader Julius Malema said earlier this year there is a possibility Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza's team might win because it has got money.

ANC branches, who are the engine of the party, are supposed to follow the history of the ANC that the deputy president succeeds the president. But they have broken this history this time around.

Dlamini-Zuma has also received support from the youth league and Umkhonto weSizwe Veterans' Association.

Now Ramaphosa's campaign seems like a futile exercise and waste of resources. The Marikana tragedy can make it difficult for him to succeed Zuma in December, although there is nothing legally incriminating against him in that regard. What if Zuma becomes malicious and charges Ramaphosa over Marikana? And, why is Zuma not endorsing Ramaphosa when he himself succeeded former president Thabo Mbeki?

The bigger problem here is those who want Ramaphosa as president will not support anyone endorsed by Zuma. They are unhappy with Zuma, see his endorsement as someone who will turn a blind eye on corruption and protect the Gupta family. These may lead to yet another split of the ANC if Dlamini-Zuma wins at the conference.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.