Lungani Zungu
After spending just four months in political exile, Zweli Mkhize is said to be plotting a comeback against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mkhize, who was put on special leave in June following the R150 million Digital Vibes scandal, is expected to throw his hat in the ring for the position of ANC president when the ruling party holds its elective conference next year in December.
His KZN-based allies said the former health minister is mobilising his support in many provinces.
“He has been meeting with a lot of ANC people in many provinces. He wants the top job and he will run for the position of president,” said a party insider.
Mkhize, the former premier of KZN and treasurer-general of the ANC, was among the runners for the ANC presidency position in 2017.
However, he dropped out of the race at the eleventh hour and threw his weight behind Ramaphosa, who defeated former president Jacob Zuma’s ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
He had the support of the Eastern Cape and some branches in KZN.
Another prominent member said Mkhize is bitter at how his ANC foes pushed for him to be removed as health minister in June before he resigned to avoid the humiliation of being axed.
“He was not happy at how he was treated by Ramaphosa and many other ANC leaders.
“He is definitely plotting revenge, and he is busy secretly campaigning,” said the ANC member.
Mkhize shot down the claims that he is gunning for the ANC president position.
“I don’t know what you are talking about because there is no such thing. And I don’t even know where this is coming from.”
He wouldn’t comment further.
Other people who are expected to run for the ANC president position are the suspended party secretary-general Ace Magashule and Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
But, Ramaphosa appears to have cemented his support in the ANC since he took over as party president in 2017.
