Steenhuisen’s lifeline may be Ramaphosa’s best chance of survival
JOHN Steenhuisen of the DA is ahead of the pack by extending his hand to President Cyril Ramaphosa as the country moves towards the 2024 elections.
It could also be a lifeline for Ramaphosa as his enemies move in for the kill.
Ace Magashule has drawn a line in the sand indicating that the ANC of old is dead and buried and he is the prince in waiting. JZ sits in the shadows stalling for time.
Left to the branches, it’s anyone’s guess who would win a faction fight right now. It’s not in Ramaphosa’s political interests nor is it in the interests of the country to have a head-to-head battle between the two factions. A straight loss for Ramaphosa would jettison the country back into the hands of JZ in the blink of an eye.
The problem with the present scenario is that the power base lies not in the hands of Cabinet nor the NEC, but in the hands of branches who are the power brokers. This is why Magashule believes he is untouchable. He claims to have been put into power by branches and only branches can remove him. In reality, he is showing his middle finger to his detractors, Cabinet and, of course, to Cyril Ramaphosa.
Logical thinking indicates that a new dispensation is required and that the old ANC is no more. Steenhuisen has spotted the blood in the water and his throwing a lifeline to Ramaphosa is a bold and insightful move. A recall of Ramaphosa by the ANC, instigated by his enemies within his ranks, is both untenable and unthinkable.
Ramaphosa will hopefully seize Steenhuisen’s lifeline with both hands. It may very well be his best chance of survival.
COLIN BOSMAN | Newlands