Cracks start to show in Zuma faction

IN MANY political circles, KwaZulu-Natal ANC chairperson Sihle Zikalala has been considered as the frontrunner for the position of premier should the party win next year’s elections in the province.

However, the events of the past few days have certainly confirmed that nothing is certain in politics.

Ethekwini ANC regional chairperson and Durban mayor Zandile Gumede is believed to be among the senior leaders advocating for a female premier. This view has also received support from the ANCWL, while other structures have not yet pronounced on their preferred candidate.

This debate provides the strongest indication yet that former president Jacob Zuma is losing his grip on certain leaders in the province.

Granted, the decision on who becomes the premier of the province lies squarely with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC NEC. They have to choose between the three names that the party will put forward.

However, it is clear that Ramaphosa has been able to make some inroads in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that has been hostile to him since Zuma’s removal.

Political observers have also remarked how Zikalala and Ramaphosa have suddenly become close, a move that could be interpreted as betrayal by those still loyal to the Zuma camp.

The latest political developments also suggest that cracks have started to show within the Zuma faction of the party. A deeper analysis is required to explain the political fallout between the two most powerful politicians in the province – Zikalala and Gumede.

Either way, the jostling for the job of KwaZulu-Natal first citizen serves as further proof that there are no permanent friends in politics.