Nominations conferences in all provinces have reduced the contest for the African National Congress (ANC) leadership to a two-horse race — and dealt a stinging setback to President Thabo Mbeki. Jacob Zuma won five provinces and, more significantly, received a total of 2Â 232 votes for the presidency, against Mbeki’s 1Â 406. The pro-Zuma provinces also endorsed his slate for other “top six” positions. And in another surprise reversal for Mbeki, the ANC Women’s League endorsed his rival.
But the game is not over — the provincial summits only decided which names go on the ballot paper. Mbeki has reacted by insisting he will stand, while intensified lobbying before the ANC’s December 16 conference could see shifts in patterns of support.
The Mail & Guardian asked five senior ANC “elders” to comment on the provincial results, the party’s hardening divisions, and the potential fallout beyond Polokwane.
Kader Asmal
Former education minister, ANC MP and member of the NEC (responding to questions by email)
Throughout its history, the ANC has had a remarkable capacity to heal itself and move on. This resilience has been reflected on a number of occasions.
What is happening now is the regrettable “normalisation” of party politics, where personalities and personal ambitions and thwarted desires have taken over from policy debate.
You ask what should be done to minimise “fractures” in the Âorganisation after the Polokwane conference.
The term “fracture” is extreme and nonsensical.
There is no future for any of the participants in the present imbroglio outside the ANC.
The worst-case scenario is the continuation of the present cold war.
The best-case scenario is that the president of the ANC elected at Polokwane reaches an amicable arrangement (with his rivals) as an act of solidarity.
What the other ‘elders’ said
Mbhazima Shilowa: “‘We want an NEC that works’“
Jeremy Cronin: “‘Things cannot continue as they are’“
Derek Hanekom: “‘Many would have preferred a compromise candidate’“
Zola Skweyiya: “‘Individuals come and go’“