Analysts welcome Cyril’s candidacy
POLITICAL analysts have commended Cyril Ramaphosa for stating his willingness to be a contender in the race to become ANC president next year.
But one analyst argued it was safe for him to do so as it did not antagonise No 1 – party leader Jacob Zuma.
Ramaphosa‚ deputy president of the country and of the ANC‚ surprised many when he said yesterday he would take up the position as party president if elected.
“It would be very humbling to get into a key position like that‚ to lead. I am available to stand‚” he said.
Political analyst Ebrahim Fakir commended Ramaphosa for his bravery.
“In the lead-up to Polokwane‚ Tokyo [Sexwale] and [Thabo] Mbeki did raise their hands,” Fakir said.
“It was good because it is breaking the mould of an automatic succession.
“I am hoping Ramaphosa’s move will entrench that culture of legitimising open desire for political office [and] break the culture of silence.”
The ANC has not been in favour of people talking about the succession debate‚ but some tripartite alliance members have not stuck to that rule.
Fakir said Ramaphosa’s decision should enable the discussion about the country’s politics to move beyond personalities.
“I hope Cyril’s open declaration will now set in motion a real debate based not on personalities but on the politics and ideas of what [leaders] want to offer,” he said.
But political analyst Dumisani Hlophe said the move was because Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma had already sent signals of her availability.
He also said: “The third element is that he is not contesting No 1 [Zuma].”