By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Co-operative governance minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has raised her hand once again to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa for the ANC’s presidency when the party holds national conference in December.
Dlamini-Zuma has been approached by party branches to stand for the top position again.
In 2017 Dlamini- Zuma contested the position of ANC president against Ramaphosa. Dlamini-Zuma, who lost to Ramaphosa, later accepted a post in Ramaphosa’s cabinet.
During the election of new ANC KwaZulu-Natal leaders in June, Dlamini-Zuma said it was also important for those who emerge victorious to embrace the losers.
“It shouldn’t be about individuals. It should always be about the strengthening of the ANC.
“If people are committed to the building of a stronger ANC, then they will see no value in fighting each other, irrespective of whether they win or lose,” she said on the sidelines of the conference.
Her move comes as the Phala Phala controversy – regarding the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020, threatening to derail his presidency.
Ramaphosa is currently under investigation by the public protector and the Hawks and the South African Reserve Bank.
Phala Phala came at the worst possible time for Ramaphosa, he is facing an impeachment process in terms of the constitution’s section 89.
The impeachment process will most probably fail in the National Assembly because of the ANC’s majority. But the issue will not disappear before the 2024 general elections. Opposition parties will ensure that it becomes a perennial thorn in the flesh for Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa may face even more risks ahead of the ANC’s elective national conference in December.
Former ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize and national executive committee (NEC) member Lindiwe Sisulu are also vying for the governing party’s presidency.