It’s a done deal. All the signs are there that Jacob Zuma will lead the African National Congress (ANC) — even, to the surprise of many, the ANC Women’s League has come out in support of the ANC deputy president. Sure, there’s no rule that women must support their own, but the league’s support was unexpected given Zuma’s questionable views on women’s right and Aids, among other issues.
President Thabo Mbeki must, by now, be rather worried. Only four provinces back him; five support Zuma. However, that still accounts for a very large number of ANC supporters who cannot be ignored.
What does this mean for the ANC’s crucial leadership election in Polokwane in December? As panellist at a Mail & Guardian Critical Thinking Forum pointed out this week, the election of either Zuma or Mbeki as leader may just lead to an acrimonious walkout by the opposing group. That would certainly scupper the other important policy tasks to be carried out at the conference.
Also, Zuma may yet be charged with corruption by the National Prosecuting Authority — and may even be jailed if found guilty on such charges. That would leave South Africa with a president who cannot hold office for a third term and a ruling-party leader behind bars … who shall lead in such a situation? A constitutional crisis, one M&G panellist called it.
Whatever happens, South Africa is set for a roller-coaster ride of political intrigue, kicking off in December and continuing at least until the next national election, about 18 months thereafter. Hopefully the ride is a safe one.
SABC
Why is the ANC allowing only the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to cover the Polokwane conference? The SABC has exclusive rights to provide all other broadcasters with “clean feeds” of unedited material. Another broadcaster this week raised fears that the SABC could switch off the feed without notice, or neglect to show the audience’s reaction.
The ANC said the reason for limiting the number of broadcasters is space constraints. Broadcasters were also told that the number of people entering and leaving the hall would be limited.
It seems strange that the party did not make other arrangements to accommodate at least one other broadcaster. What possible reason could there be for limiting access, other than an attempt to manage the flow of information? The media, however, will be in Polokwane in great numbers. Let’s hope the party will allow them to do their jobs, with the minimum of interference.
| NOT SO FAST |
NOT SO FAST |
Ebrahim Rasool
The Western Cape Premier has admitted he made “incorrect” statements on overspending to the provincial legislature. He maintains: “I did not lie to this house,” citing “misunderstandings”. Not telling the truth is indeed a rather serious misunderstanding … |
 Tony Yengeni
Former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni was arrested this week for drunken driving. He is still out on parole after his 2003 conviction for defrauding Parliament by failing to disclose a 47% discount on a luxurious 4×4 Mercedes-Benz. The Department of Correctional Services should insist that he enters a rehabilitation programme. |
Most-read stories
November 22 to 28
1. Zuma leads ANC nomination race
African National Congress deputy president Jacob Zuma leads the race for nominations for the post of party president with five provinces supporting him, to President Thabo Mbeki’s four, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news reported on Sunday.
2. ANC Women’s League backs Zuma
The African National Congress’s Women’s League late on Monday nominated deputy leader Jacob Zuma as its candidate to head up the organisation.
3. Fight begins for the soul of SA
Lizzie Jandjies tucks herself tightly into the top corner of Dan Qeqe Stadium as she waits for presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma to arrive in the township of Zwide in the flat hinterlands of Port Elizabeth. Beyond the stadium are houses of breeze block and corrugated iron; homes that are an aspiration to the neatly dressed Jandjies.
4. ‘Shoot-out between Zuma and Mbeki’
The battle for the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) moves one step closer this week to a head-to-head clash between Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.
5. Zuma thrives on Mbeki blunders
It would have seemed all but unthinkable two years ago, but Jacob Zuma appears set to become leader of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC).
6. ANC decries ‘blatant untruths’ about Mbeki
The African National Congress (ANC) parliamentary caucus has dismissed “malicious” media reports alleging that President Thabo Mbeki used a caucus meeting last week to launch a veiled attack on ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma.
7. Looming threat of renewed war casts pall over Eritrea
Holding up a grubby, worn banknote, the ex-rebel fighter points proudly to an image famous across Eritrea — defiant liberation soldiers raising a flag on a mountain peak.
8. ‘Zuma is likely to win this presidency’
Prominent businessman Tokyo Sexwale, seen as a possible African National Congress (ANC) presidential candidate, said on Wednesday Jacob Zuma was likely to win the contest to lead the ruling party.
9. Ethiopia ups military budget, blames Eritrea threat
Ethiopia has boosted its defence budget by more than $54-million to gird for a possible resumption of hostilities with Eritrea over their disputed border, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told Parliament on Tuesday.
10. Older white women join Kenya’s sex tourists
Bethan (56) lives in southern England on the same street as best friend Allie (64). They are on their first holiday to Kenya, a country they say is “just full of big young boys who like us older girls”.