Jostling for Zuma’s position under way

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THIS week’s widely expected pronouncement by Cosatu that it will lobby for Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Jacob Zuma as president of the ANC in December 2017, and the country in 2019, is a clear indication that the jostling for succession is under way.

Luthuli House has tried in vain to discourage the key players within the tripartite alliance from prematurely opening the succession debate for 2017 which is likely to be divisive and challenging.

This is, inter alia, because this year’s August 3 elections unleashed a massive loss of ground and humiliation that has left the ANC bruised and confused.

The ANC still remains, by far, a dominant force with a political footprint and organisational machinery and brand equity.

It is only the ANC that is and can be its own worst enemy by squandering the goodwill and public confidence it has enjoyed over its 104 years of existence.

That is why next year’s electoral conference will be a crucial moment that will determine whether the ANC is serious about rebuilding itself by reconnecting and re-engaging with South Africa in ways that help it regain lost ground.

Now that Cosatu has made its views officially known, the key question is: Which structure or province is next in line to add its voice by making its pronouncement known?

The ANC Women’s League and the ANC Youth League have been outspoken in their preferences for a female successor to Zuma which means they won’t be lobbying for Ramaphosa.

Cosatu’s pronouncement has drawn the line in the sand by making it clear that the federation does not buy the argument for a female president. This is significant coming from a federation that has always taken pride in projecting itself as a champion for gender equality.

This came on the back of various declarations of support for Ramaphosa by unions within Cosatu which were seen as pre-emptive strikes to seal its position on this divisive and polarising matter within the tripartite alliance.

Cosatu’s pronouncement is viewed in some quarters as victory for the so-called anti-Zuma camp within the alliance. Some unions did not come out in support of Ramaphosa which may be indicative of the divisions in most structures within the alliance at national, provincial and local levels.

This is the time when effective and unifying leadership is needed more than ever before. It requires selflessness and the political and personal commitment to strengthening the party and the country at large.

A disciplined succession debate and process are key to that stability that is required to underpin a stable, productive and growing economy and society. Contestation is part of the fabric of a robust and dynamic democracy but it must be conducted in the framework of the acceptable rules of the democratic project.

Cosatu’s support for Ramaphosa is largely premised on his background as a trade unionist and a perceived unifying figure. Ramaphosa’s detractors will continue to bring up the Marikana and buffalo issues.

Cosatu’s support for Ramaphosa is viewed as a victory for the so-called anti-Zuma camp because the so-called Zuma camp is perceived to be rallying around AU Commission chairwoman, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, whose term at the AU is due to end soon.

Those supportive of Dlamini Zuma cite her impeccable track record as one of the longest serving and most effective ministers in post-apartheid South Africa; the excellent work she has done in turning around the administrative apparatus of the AU; and, more importantly, in driving and delivering “Vision 2063 – The Africa We Want”.

These are exciting and challenging times indeed. These are also times of immense opportunity for renewal and change that open up spaces to consolidate, deepen and advance the democratic project.

The responsibility for all leaders is put the interests of the economy and society above factional and personal interests and agendas. The best end result of the succession debate should be an outcome that unites the ANC and country around a tangible sense of common purpose that makes South Africa a great and admired nation as indeed it can and must be.

Dlamini is a member of the National Council of SA Institute of International Affairs.