Dlamini-Zuma has earned her stripes

Nothing emphasises how much things have changed politically in just six short months than the sight of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma rolling up her sleeves to get stuck into the most intractable of the ANC’s problems. Few people – outside, perhaps, of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his inner circle – would have predicted this state of affairs in December last year, as the ANC was in danger of shaking itself to pieces in an ugly leadership struggle which pitted Ramaphosa against Dlamini-Zuma.

It is clear now that Dlamini-Zuma, who seems to have accepted her new position with alacrity, was, at best, only a reluctant figurehead for the campaign waged by her ex-husband, Jacob Zuma, to keep his hands on the levers of power.

At the time, a clearly uncomfortable and uncommunicative Dlamini-Zuma was criticised by many as not having what it takes to lead this country … as she would have done had she won the ANC presidency.

Those critics discounted her undoubted successes in various areas of national and international life. Included in those was the sterling work she did both as minister of home affairs and as minister of health, as well as flying our flag as a competent and knowledgeable foreign affairs minister.

However, her sojourn at the African Union started off well but she made many enemies around the continent.

Ramaphosa showed his wiles as a politician in appointing her as minister in the presidency for the national planning commission for policy and evaluation.

Initially, there were those who believed he wanted her close by to keep an eye on her. But it now appears she is part of his inner circle and entrusted with sorting out the mess of the North West– and Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

It will be interesting to see what lies in store for this active ANC team player.