Zukile Majova
THE ROAD TO 2024: Zukile Majova says that with many pressing political challenges, and the threat of violence hanging over KZN, the ANC in the province is indulging in a leadership struggle.
The political fighting for positions in the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal reminds one of the Roman emperor Nero who “fiddled while Rome burned” in the great fire of AD 64.
The ANC in KZN is facing a wide range of issues that are threatening to undo its hard won gains.
But as the ANC provincial elective conference gets underway in Durban on Friday, delegates appear more concerned about who will make it into the top leadership structure.
Premier Sihle Zikalala, a supporter of President Cyril Ramaphosa, is campaigning for a second term.
Businessman Sandile Zungu and Finance MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube lead different slates belonging to an ANC faction loyal to disgraced former president Jacob Zuma.
While the leadership tussle gets underway, the following issues are perhaps the most urgent.
- Political killings in the province:
Global Initiative on Transnational Organised Crime says there have been 118 political hits in KZN since 2015.
- Resurgence of IFP among Zulu traditionalists:
Zulu traditionalists who flocked to the ANC when Zuma was made president simply switched to the IFP after he was forced out of office. IFP founder and president emeritus Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a dynamic and charismatic leader, used ANC mistakes to revive the IFP. The IFP is now in its strongest position in 20 years, having reduced the ANC to just 41% of the popular vote in the local government elections in KZN.
The ruling party lost its majority in key municipalities including the eThekwini Metro and Umhlathuze Municipality while 18 councils were hung after the November 2021 elections.
- Fall out with Zulu Royal Family:
The ANC was the last to embrace new Zulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini as the legitimate leader of the Zulu nation.
The provincial government refused to release the R66 million budget to run the affairs of the
Zulu Monarch. Since His Majesty’s ascension to the throne, the ANC government has slashed his budget. Millions of Zulus were angry when the government trimmed his security detail despite clear indications that the king was at risk of being assassinated.
To this day, in the eyes of Zulu traditionalists, the IFP is more concerned about traditional leadership than the ANC.
- The province is also perceived to be the home of the RET forces, a faction in the ANC that is defending leaders accused of corruption and aiding the looting of state companies. RET forces are hell bent on removing Ramaphosa from office, discrediting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and the credibility of the State Capture Report.
Beyond these, the province is ripe for a resurgence of xenophobic violence.
It was in this province that disgruntled members of the ANC hatched the July unrest that cost the economy over R50 billion, 340 lives and countless jobs.
The ANC which claims to be the leader of society is often found wanting on these issues.
This weekend’s conference is not shaping up to change any of that, though a pleasant surprise would always be welcome.
