Let us keep KZN vision alive
FOR THE first time in the history of the ANC, KwaZulu-Natal is in a predicament, having to go to the national conference in December being divided in opinion regarding nominations of the new leadership, particularly the president and deputy president of the ANC.
There are a number of reasons that could cause this division that is brewing, if not properly managed.
Those who were around when the provincial and regional leadership were preparing for the Mangaung Conference in 2012 would recall the engagements and stance taken then.
The leadership agreed unanimously that the then KZN chairperson, Dr Zweli Mkhize, should be deployed to the higher structure (NEC) and he became the treasurer-general.
The motive was to ensure that the younger generation from KZN, who had the capacity to spearhead the ANC to the next level, were included in important positions of the organisation.
Even though it was not clarified then as to what that decision truly meant, it’s obvious that each province had ambitions for their leadership to occupy the top positions of the ANC. Now when the opportunity for such progressive moves prevails at the De- cember conference, it would be in the best interests for KZN to see that vision come to fruition.
Other provinces have already started stating their views on the future leadership; social media is abuzz about this topic, split largely between deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa and former AU Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
The main question is what is the current position of KZN on the subject. We should not wait for other provinces to pronounce on our original vision, which KZN has solidly and consistently agreed upon. We must also be reminded that it was KZN which canvassed other provinces and gained their support.
We can do better to avoid our province being seen as unstable and having a questionable reputation for going against its own will. In so doing, other provinces and the whole nation will respect and trust us as a reliable province that completes what it has started without shifting the goal posts.
Even though it is understood that there will be challenges and even pressure in selecting or nominating future leaders, one of the reasons is that the ANC Women’s League has essentially voiced its preference on this matter, declaring that this is the time to elect a woman leader. They have not only pledged as a matter of principle, but further announced the name of Dlamini Zuma as their candidate.
Further, the youth league echoed the same sentiment, a rather wise move. However, their preferred candidate shouldn’t be a problem to us in KZN because she is a leader from this province and one with a wonderful history in the ANC, whose leadership is upright and cannot be questioned.
There should be no doubts pertaining to the nomination of Dlamini Zuma because we are all witnesses to her tremendous contributions, in the ANC and government. What is of utmost importance is that our leaders portray integrity and are truthful to members at all times.
The nomination of Dlamini Zuma should not hinder the vision that we had for Mkhize. It would therefore be helpful for the leadership to be wise and careful in dealing with this sensitive issue, so as to avoid disunity in the province and to preserve our dignity.
The chances are that if KZN is not united, the ANC will also be divided nationally. The party will be united if we as a province are unified during these testing times.
ANC members at branch level and the public, especially in KZN, all wait for the guidance of the leadership, and whether it will make or break the organisation.
Both these leaders have a good track record as they have the ability to bring about stability and unity in the ANC. If entrusted with this responsibility, they would complement each other in fulfilling their obligation. Their leadership capabilities could rekindle hope in the entire Republic of South Africa, the economy would stabilise and trust be brought back to potential investors and the whole world.
Perhaps it is about time that the president and the deputy president both have their roots in the province of KwaZuluNatal and I do not foresee any difficulty in engaging and convincing other provinces and alliance partners on the matter if they are properly engaged.
The province could have a vision and the ANCWL could have its own vision, but what is fundamental is that both these ideas elevate KZN. What is imperative is how we embrace these visions to ensure that we move forward in unity. It would be highly commendable if the regions in KZN assisted the leadership in this regard.
I believe the culture and spirit of engagement should not be discouraged. I am confident that our leadership will uphold and defend this fundamental principle and practice of our beloved movement.
Shelembe is MPL and former ANC Moses Mabhida Region chairperson