ANC should officially open succession debates

The ruling party has lost control of the process, writes Moses Zola Manake from Roodekrans

The race towards the December ANC elective conference is becoming more interesting by the day. Although the ANC has not officially paved the way for its structures to engage, the campaign is in full swing and it seems that the ANC this time around has lost control of the process.

The rot started within the top six national officials long before the policy documents were re- leased to its structures, where some officials started to endorse a woman to be ready to lead both the movement and the country.

That was followed by certain provincial structures endorsing Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as their choice of a leader to take over from Jacob Zuma.

The ANCWL and ANCYL joined the chorus and got away with a slap on the wrist after being reprimanded.

That opened the floodgates for those who are supporting her, realising that they are untouchable because they are supporting a candidate that is closer to the president.

Interesting though is that all those who openly supported Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa were quickly told they were out of order and needed to toe the line.

The campaign trail has gained momentum this past week with Zuma openly endorsing Dlamini-Zuma, as did some rogue elements of former MK soldiers.

The ANC must just officially open the succession debates to its structures to be in a position of control or else anarchy will be the order of the day.