SUCCESSION BATTLE
Tug-of-war ANC puts on its party face
As the smoke and mirrors pervade our political space, the ANC is also seeking to renew itself ahead of the 2019 elections, writes Natasha Marrian
Believe nothing, but note that there may be an ounce of truth in everything as the ANC’s succession battle unfolds. It is "silly season", to quote ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe. Lists will be circulated, deals will be sealed, comrades killed, compromises reached, money will change hands. It is more a game of chess, an attempt by factions and lobby groups to test the waters as the 54th national conference approaches, at which President Jacob Zuma’s successor will be named. The succession race largely overshadowed a successful anniversary event held by the ANC at the 40,000-seater Orlando Stadium. The stands were filled to the rafters, with a similarly packed overflow area, on a cold, wet Sunday morning. This was in stark contrast to the sunny Port Elizabeth morning in 2016, when the ANC launched its election manifesto before less than half the 100,000 people who were expected to attend. The ANC says its success this time was largely due to its Mpumalanga and Free State provinc...
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