RANJENI MUNUSAMY: Is Ramaphosa winning or compromising?
'This new trend of “zebra lists” seems to be a shift from winner-takes-all factional slates forcing people from opposing camps to work together'
EXTRACT
Who defends Ramaphosa when he is under attack from opposition leaders? Who in the ANC steps up to support and defend his decisions, such as with his battle with South African Revenue Services commissioner Tom Moyane?
Who are Ramaphosa’s surrogates to do groundwork, and detect dissent and tackle mischief-makers?
While Ramaphosa was able to eventually secure the ejection of Supra Mahumapelo as premier of North West, he was not able to install an ally to replace him, mostly because it is not clear who that would be.
The outcome of the ANC elective conferences in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal has been regarded as a win for President Cyril Ramaphosa and his faction, whoever that might be at this point. The weekend conferences led to the election of officials from both sides of the Nasrec factional divide, meaning that the two most populous provinces followed the example of the ANC’s 54th national conference. This new trend of “zebra lists” seems to be a shift from winner-takes-all factional slates forcing people from opposing camps to work together.Just like with the ANC leadership that was elected in December, a mixed bag does not necessarily mean the outcome will foster unity and eliminate factions. What it means is that all factions have their interests represented in the top structures of the party and will continue wrestling for influence and control. This will be most evident when the ANC begins compiling its election lists and new battles erupt over who features where on the national and provi...
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