Wally Mbhele
The Reverend Frank Chikane emerged this week as the new favourite to replace Gauteng MEC for Health Amos Masondo in challenging the leading candidate, advocate Mathole Motshekga, for the provincial chairmanship of the African National Congress.
While another powerful, nominated candidate, Murphy Morobe, was still making political calculations before taking a final decision this week, Chikane seemed firm and ready finally to throw his hat into the ring.
The other dark horse in the race is Peter Mokaba, Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, who is keeping even his closest friends guessing whether he will run.
Chikane told the Mail & Guardian he was requested by people from the broad-based constituency to stand for election and felt it was time to listen to people when they speak. People have the right to make their will known. They have a right to make their choice. We are engaging in a democratic process.
The reason he previously declined to stand, he explained, was because he felt strong consideration had not been given to strategic issues. However, he did not elaborate on that.
Chikane was persuaded to make himself available for the position by the provincial ANC leadership. The winner is expected automatically to become the new Gauteng premier.
However, in a move that has widened the wedge between branches and the leadership, the provincial executive has been perceived as taking sides against Motshekga in the provincial race for premiership.
Some national ANC leaders have expressed concern that the search for a new Gauteng leader has compromised the ANC, as provincial leaders have individualised and personalised issues rather than rallying around potential solutions.
Part of the problem, according to insiders, is that there was no strategic planning of Tokyo Sexwales exit from power.
The process of finding a successor has been characterised not by political or ideological differences, but by character assassinations. This Sunday more than 500 ANC delegates gather in Johannesburg to elect a new incumbent.
Warnings have been sounded that Motshekgas support base among six regions which previously nominated him for the position has not changed. Instead, the M&G has been told that his supporters may view Chikane as being imposed on them.
While branches may decide to close ranks behind Motshekga on Sunday, provincial leaders such as Jessie Duarte, Amos Masondo and Jabu Moleketi may decide to step down and urge their supporters to rally behind Chikane.