Daily Dispatch
Battle for soul of the nation
THE ANC’s internal elective process now underway across the country at regional level is of the utmost importance, not just for the ANC but the nation.
The reason is simple. These elections are not just about who gets to flex their muscles in allocating tenders at regional level.
Instead, they’re about who gets to decide the rightful successor of Jacob Zuma when he steps down as ANC president in December. And, as per ANC tradition, that person will become the national president when Zuma’s term of office ends in 2019.
The question, in ANC parlance, is whether there should be “change” or “change and continuity”.
In layman’s terms this translates into whether the former AU commission chair, the previous holder of various cabinet posts and Zuma’s ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma should get the job or whether the ANC deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa, should follow on from the president, as per ANC tradition.
But when looking at this matter one cannot stop at individual personalities. The picture is far bigger than ANC factionalism and the consequences more grave.
The underlying and all important question is whether the style of government and the parallel corrupt business interests that have developed under the Zuma presidency – as described in the State of Capture report – will remain in place or whether there is a possibility for rescue.
As things stand, the situation could go either way.
The primary interest of Zuma is not the health of the ANC or this country. That has never been the case. His concerns are:
Leaving office confident that he will not have to answer the 783 corruption charges that continue to hang over his head; and
Having an assurance of the longevity of his vast family empire and its networks, and being free to enjoy those benefits.
He may already have some undertakings in this direction.
Why else would he be campaigning so hard for a particular candidate, especially outside of the parameters of ANC tradition?
The importance of the regional elections in the equation should not be overlooked. The regions provide the foot-soldiers for the ANC’s top leadership battle that takes place in December.
That the regions could be pivotal in securing Zuma’s objectives was underscored by Zuma himself this weekend when he arrived at both elective conferences taking place in the Eastern Cape.
At Nelson Mandela Bay where Andile Lungisa was voted regional chairman, Zuma did the unthinkable. He affirmed Lungisa in glowing terms even though Lungisa had ignored instructions from the ANC’s secretary general Gwede Mantashe not to stand because he would be violating the ANC’s constitution.
Zuma’s endorsement of Lungisa clearly suggests Lungisa is a regional link in Zuma’s tactical chain.
And Zuma’s public smack down of the SG means the battle is very much on and that no holds are barred.
But it is important to keep in mind that this is no ordinary party political battle to determine a president’s successor or the terms of his exit. What is taking place presently is a battle for the soul of the nation.