Reinstatement And Succession 1
With Jacob Zuma’s reinstatement as Deputy President of the ANC it is clear that JZ has his eyes on the prize… the presidency of South Africa. Which begs the question, why is succession in the ANC like choosing a new Pope? When Pope John Paul II died they would ask Cardinals whether they would like to be the next Pope and each one would put their hands up and proclaim that they were not suited for the position and it is too much work etc etc. Of course none of them would ever publicly state that no other Cardinals should vote for them either. The same with ANC politicians. Not one will admit to actually wanting to be President or saying that they believe they can do the job. Most will answer with a evasive ‘I will do what the ANC voters tell me to do, even if they deploy me back to local council in Pofadder’ or some other eye roll inducing statement packed with faux humility.
That being said why is Zuma the only current person who has “possible presidential contender” tacked on after his name? Zuma obviously hopes to take his populist surge (although only 36% of South Africans actually want him as President) and use it to put pressure on the ANC NEC. Besides saying Thabo Mbeki wants a woman as the next President the succession debate is still as clear as mud.
I just wish one or two other potential candidates would step forward and say “Hey I think I’ve got the skills to lead the country and hope the ANC will pick me to do it”. Contrast this with politicians in the UK/US who will never miss an opportunity to espouse why they would be a great president/prime minister. Someone in the ANC must have the cojones to do it?
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Hey Farrel, tried to send you an email but can’t find your address. Drop me a mail when you can.