Dirty war for ANC in December
The ANC provincial general council is meeting in Zululand this weekend to decide on a way forward. A failure to heal divisions could signal the end for the party in the 2019 elections, writes
Mkhize’s stature.
Indications are already that even among the aggrieved court applicants, there is appreciation that Mkhize’s acumen would be required to resolve the impasse, regardless of the court ruling.
Well before he became ANC treasurer-general, Mkhize was a leader whose stature and influence transcended provincial politics.
At a time when many senior leaders cowered and baulked at the prospect of engaging with former President Thabo Mbeki’s formidable intellectual prowess, Mkhize dared to point out flaws in his reasoning on HIV and Aids.
As premier he ran an administration free of blemishes while the national government had to intervene in the administration of several departments in other provinces after they collapsed.
His brainchild, Operation Sukuma Sakhe, has been lauded by Unaids executive director Michel Sidibe as a multi-sectoral service delivery model the impact of which was felt directly in the reduction of new HIV infections in KZN, the epicentre of the pandemic.
Cost-cutting measures he introduced in his government and redirection of those resources towards critical service delivery were endorsed by the Treasury and imposed across government.
Having inherited a bankrupt administration in 2009, by the time Mkhize left the province it reflected healthy financial reserves.
His stint as treasurer-general has served to position him as a key player – which in turn has broadened his understanding of the dynamics at play.
As evidence of the magnitude of the damage that has been done to the ANC under Zuma piles up, it is obvious that much effort will be needed to restore the organisation.
Of critical importance, though, are indications that Zuma does not intend to disappear into the Nkandla (or Dubai) sunset.
Whether he will be fighting criminal charges or working to ensure he “governs from the grave”, Zuma is not the kind to surrender.
It will be critical that the new leadership post-december possesses some capacity to “manage” Zuma after what certainly will not be a ceremonious exit. The president’s co-operation could make things easier for all.
Mkhize would be indispensable in the management of the aftermath, whatever the outcome.
But how much of the “Zuma legacy” baggage does Mkhize carry? During Zuma’s many troubles, Mkhize worked tenaciously behind the scenes to salvage Zuma’s political future when days were very dark and a lengthy prison spell looked a distinct possibility.
Some suggest it is Zuma who should be indebted to Mkhize for his role in the management of the rape allegations and untangling Zuma from the financial mess in his dealings with Schabir Shaik. He testified as a defence witness.
Mkhize was also a mastermind behind Zuma’s Polokwane victory.
In that context, it would be easy for detractors to lump Mkhize with former Zuma allies who gave us this leader but now want absolution for their complicity when it was evident Zuma had serious shortcomings as a leader.
It is understandable if there’s a sense Mkhize is part of the “Zuma problem”. But Zuma’s supporters know what Mkhize is capable of.
It would not be surprising if they tried to embarrass him publicly.
If Mkhize does not endorse Dlamini Zuma, he will be isolated from the powerful pro-zuma allies.
A further complication is that the aggrieved former premier and provincial chairman Senzo Mchunu’s faction suspected Mkhize’s hand in their defeat.
This is despite Mkhize being among NEC members who intervened in the standoff between delegates at that provincial conference.
While this lot supports Ramaphosa, it might be wary of Mkhize as an ally considering his past closeness to Zuma. A DIRTY WAR
Everybody standing for election in December must gear up for a dirty war. The weak will fall early. Despite an apology, Jeff Radebe’s clean image as a married gentleman has been tarnished.
Assuming Mkhize is remotely interested in being a contender in December, any skeletons in his cupboard will tumble out.
For instance, will the ANC treasurer-general emerge untainted from the Gupta e-mails?
Will the meeting in Zululand this weekend even mull over a possible contribution a person of Mkhize’s calibre could still play?
Time will tell – if he is even interested.