The ANC KwaZulu-Natal conference seemed to have set the cat among the pigeons with regard to what we may have to anticipate at the 55th national elective conference in December.
There was a belief that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s allies would emerge victorious, which would have rubber-stamped his inevitable victory at the December conference, however, Siboniso Duma’s emergence has left his almost meagre support in paralysis.
Meanwhile, a top 6 slate with most representation of Ramaphosa’s allies has emerged, although its origin is unknown, it includes almost all of his ardent supporters, but, to be completely honest, some of the candidates on the top 6 list are dubious.
The slate places Ramaphosa in his quest for re-election notwithstanding the fact that he might face a tough competition from the RET brigade, but it seems the faction is supremely confident that he should continue.
Eastern Cape provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane is touted as a potential candidate to replace deputy president David Mabuza.
Gedwe Mantashe is touted to retain his position as the national chairperson.
Quite curiously but interesting, is the inclusion of Fikile Mbalula as a potential candidate to replace suspended Secretary-General Ace Magashule.
Truth be told, although Mbalula was at one point the president of the ANC Youth League, his conduct and sheer incompetency over the last few years makes him not a suitable candidate for the position.
Febe Potgieter, who currently works as a general manager at Luthuli House—the ANC headquarters—is earmarked for the deputy secretary-general’s position.
Limpopo chairperson, Stan Mathabatha, who was the first leader to pronounce Ramaphosa’s second term way back in January, is deemed as a proper candidate to replace Paul Mashatile as the new treasurer General.
It is virtually impossible to determine whether this slate was crafted in good faith or is merely the product of some comrades’ wishful thinking, because considering the balance of forces it stands no chance.
It is one’s opinion, therefore, that the policy conference of the party and the upcoming weeks will give a much clearer picture of how lobbying is progressing. We may have to wait and see in the interim.
What are your thoughts on this slate? Do you think these potential candidates have enough support on the ground to can pull it off?