Zukile Majova
THE ROAD TO 24: Zukile Majova reports that whatever happens in the ANC conference in KZN next weekend, the ANC in the province will no longer vote as a united bloc
The three slates jostling for control of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal prove that the ANC faction led by former president Jacob Zuma is no longer in full control of the ruling party in that province.
This means that whatever the outcome of the ANC conference in KZN the province will no longer vote as a single block at the all-important ANC national conference in December.
For the last two decades Zuma exerted maximum control over the province and aspirant regional leaders worked hard to curry favour with him.
Premiers, MPs and MECs of KZN-origin led various night vigils held outside the Durban and Pietermaritzburg courts ahead of Zuma’s many court appearances over the years.
Those who became his loudest defenders quickly rose up in the ranks of the ANC to become ministers without clear justification of their seniority or talents.
The likes of disgraced former finance minister Malusi Gigaba and current Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa benefitted from being close to Zuma.
But as the province prepares for its elective conference scheduled for 15-17 July, a three-way split has emerged.
The first slate is led by Premier Sihle Zikalala, the current provincial chairperson who is seeking a second term.
His main running mate is Mdumiseni Ntuli who is contesting the position of provincial secretary.
The second slate is led by Member of the KZN Legislature Siboniso Duma whose running mate is disgraced former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede.
Zuma’s closest confidante businessman, Sandile Zungu is leading the third slate with Super Zuma as his candidate for provincial secretary.
A possible fourth slate led by former KZN government director general Nhlanhla Ngidi and MEC for Finance Nomusa Dube-Ncube is still in the making.
KZN was the biggest province by number of delegates at the last ANC conference in Nasrec in 2017.
It is expected to be the launch pad of the campaign to deny President Cyril Ramaphosa a second term during this year’s national conference in December.
But that will not be enough of a rally cry to put Ramaphosa’s biggest adversary in the province, Msholozi, back in the driving seat.
Image source: @eNCA
