As Mosiuoa Lekota’s party jockeys for a space in the political landscape, it brings to mind the old story related by Hunter S Thompson about how Lyndon Johnson told his campaign manager to spread the word that his opponent had a predilection for the carnal knowledge of sows.
The manager said that no one would believe that the man was a “pig fucker”, to which Johnson is said to have replied, along the lines of, “I know, but let him deny it.”
The African National Congress (ANC) is now in a position of having to defend its track record and re-state its case in building a better lives for South Africans. No doubt, much good has been done, but with elections due next year and the rise of a credible opposition with struggle credentials, the once-omnipotent ANC is being forced into a corner.
ANC president Jacob Zuma gave some indication as to the depths of his frustration this week when he said Lekota and other dissidents were “snakes” and accused them of “getting married” to the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA).
Zuma said Lekota and former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa should have waited for the conclusion of their dispute with the ANC before announcing the formation of a new party, which seems to indicate he expected the pair to continue to toe the party line.
He also said the pair had formed their party in anger, and saw it as a retaliation for their defeat at the party’s national conference in Polokwane.
“We are not saying they should not form a party, but we are saying they should put forward facts and policies so that we could debate them — not debate in anger.”
The DA this week also took issue with the ANC leader, accusing him of dodging a debate.
DA leader Helen Zille fumed that Zuma had now turned down her request for a public debate for a fourth time, and that this was disingenuous in that he had accused the DA of not having any policies of its own.
Zuma, however, is probably wise to avoid a potentially damaging debate with the Zille, but for how long? He can’t put it off forever.
| FULL SPEED AHEAD |
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Barack Obama
Barack Obama this week changed the course of political history by becoming the first African-American president of the United States, an election victory that was warmly welcomed around the world. We now wait to see if his actions are as powerful as his words. |
 Jacob Zuma
According to reports, Zuma this week declined the offer of a public debate with the Democratic Alliance’s Helen Zille for a fourth time — this after apparently challenging his political opponents to a debate. Come on Mr Zuma, South Africa would love to see its politicians engage in such a debate. |
Most-read stories
October 30 to November 5
1. What Mbeki really said
The letter from former president Thabo Mbeki to Jacob Zuma is a stinging attack on the ANC’s criticism of breakaway leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, and a critique of the “cult of personality” around Zuma himself.
2. Zimbabwe gold mines face collapse
Zimbabwe’s gold mining industry, Africa’s third biggest nine years ago, is on the brink of “total collapse” because the country’s central bank refuses to pay for the gold it buys from the mines, the mines’ representative body said on Monday.
3. The sugar mommy behind Shikota
The Shikota movement has enlisted one of South Africa’s most influential businesswomen as a key backer and fundraiser.
4. The gloves come off
South Africa’s most competitive election race since 1994 has taken off and it will be fought around one man: African National Congress president Jacob Zuma.
5. Not in my name, Mbeki tells ANC
Former president Thabo Mbeki has asked the African National Congress not to abuse or use his name falsely to promote the party.
6. Expect more ANC resignations, says Shikota
African National Congress (ANC) members who have been working “underground” for the new party that is due to be launched on December 16 will now come out and publicly support the party that is mooted by former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa.
7. ANC braces for bruising split
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), which led the struggle against apartheid, is bracing for a potentially bruising split on Saturday as dissidents open a convention to prepare to launch a rival party.
8. Lekota: A parting of the ways has come
The national convention to be held this weekend is about constitutional principles the present leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) has moved away from, organiser Mosiuoa Lekota says.
9. Top Eastern Cape ANC members resign
Six prominent Eastern Cape African National Congress (ANC) leaders, including ousted premier Nosimo Balindlela and former deputy defence minister Mluleki George, have quit the ANC.
10. Malema insists on investigating ‘irregularities’
ANC Youth League president Julius Malema says threats against its leadership will not stop the league from investigating the financial affairs of its investment arm, Lembede.