Read an interesting article today on the Mail & Guardian and was moved to pen this arrogant opinion.
I’m happy to see that people within the movement realise that the current ANC leadership has put it in a precarious position in terms of intellectual weight. As the Mail & Guardian reported, “there is a general sense between comrades that the ANC, under Zuma’s leadership, has marginalised intellectuals and capable leaders in the party,” said a member of Paul Mashatile’s inner circle.
“The current crop of leaders lack depth and are unable to articulate ANC policy in line with the Polokwane resolutions.”
I will outline a list of people I believe should be considered for the ANC presidency and consequently of the country. Perhaps the movement should also look outside the obvious names. I’ve put a list of the obvious names and other names that should be obvious but aren’t: Zola Skweyiya, Tokyo Sexwale, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Joel Netshitenzhe and Trevor Manuel
1: Zola Skweyiya one of the last few remaining truly ANC men should be considered. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the necessary backing within the ANC. He is a man that speaks his mind and is unafraid. He is one of the more senior members of the party and one of its most respected members. I don’t think that he should be pushed out of hand without any serious considerations. Few people can fault him as a man of integrity or for his intellectual grit.
2: Tokyo Sexwale seems to want the presidency so much that it makes me suspicious. Having said that, I am not opposed to his suggestion that the ANC ought to employ the American system of primaries where people vying for the presidency should go around the country debating and being voted for by the general membership of the party. The only drawback to this is that the candidate with the most money will have an advantage purely because his or her message will reach further and wider simply because of economics. I have never been convinced by Sexwale. Charisma is not enough.
3: Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is another option but he was rather non-descript when he became president after president Mbeki was asked to step down. He would be a unifying figure though and he is well-respected. As a former secretary-general of the ANC he would be familiar with much of the workings of the ANC and its weaknesses. I do believe that he would be given this position simply because of his seniority. When he was president and was on a WEF panel with the Brazilian president and others, he seemed not to belong. Same as our current president who also seems to be out of depth when on such panels.
4: According to the Mail & Guardian, Gauteng ANC chair Paul Mashatile and his supporters want Joel Netshitenzhe to take over the position of secretary-general from Gwede Mantashe. He would be excellent in that position. There is no doubt. He is certainly a far better option than Fikile Mbalula. Netshitenzhe is more measured, calm, thoughtful, has a long-term view and is less prone to populism than Mbalula. Fikile is not ready to be elevated to such a position. He needs to mellow a bit before such an elevation takes place.
Having said that, I do believe Netshitenzhe would make an excellent ANC president too. He is disciplined and understands ANC process, perhaps better than anyone else. He, like Mbeki trained under the great Oliver Tambo. It is often said that he hates the spotlight and is unlikely to accept such a nomination. He prefers working in the background. If and when he is called, he would be an excellent choice. He should not be overlooked just because he is not a loud voice.
5: Finally, the man no one speaks about when it comes to leadership of the ANC, Trevor Manuel, the former finance minister. He is energetic and has presided over the longest economic expansion this country has seen. It is disturbing that many say that the only thing that would disqualify him from ascending to this position is because he is coloured. As far as I am aware, the ANC is far more mature than that — at least on paper. The ANC should not pay lip service to equality. We should never feel that some people can’t be elected to certain positions in the ANC simply because they are not black.
I hope the view that Manuel could never ascend to the highest peaks in the ANC are just that, comments, and not a prevailing view within the ANC. He is qualified and has certainly earned his stripes. He should certainly be considered well ahead of the likes of Tokyo.
A man I’d like to see in the ANC Big 5 is Zwelinzima Vavi. I know that he scares a lot of people with his socialistic rhetoric, but I believe we need someone like him in positions of real power. He’s a true servant of the people, a hard worker, and most tellingly, an cunning politician.
Hi Khaya,
I agree with your suggestions. However, remember that not many of these ‘comrades’ will agree with your suggestions for they view your lists as ‘enemies’ before their eyes, if they still have any left.
Also, you know very well that ‘comrades’ with their ‘militant tactics’ would not want people as ‘intelligent’ and capable as those on your list. Instead, they would prefer lame ‘duck crop of leadership’ we presently have, lead by its… (Sorry I can’t find words to describe him) president and everyone around him.
Therefore, it seems very unlikely that this ‘well-constructed and researched list of potential MoPres.’ would go past Julius et al without any negative criticism, if none at all.
By the way, at least you used your brains, unlike some of our ‘leaders’ who cannot show for their brain, if they still have any of it left from Exile.
Oh wait, remember we were informed not to start with the succession debate a while back by our ‘leader’. So, what leader to this selection of yours Khaya? Careful, ‘comrades’ – or whatever they would call themselves – are all ears, hey? Anyway, goodluck with your lists. I hope you get more votes…
Regards,
AK47 (not the APARTHEIRD) of Akanyang Africa.
I like Motlanthe (as I’m sure I’ve mentioned before to you). Yes, he was non-descript when Mbeki stepped down – but by then it was more or less known that Zuma woul ultimately take his place. It was a lame duck presidency – but I think given a proper shot, he would really shine. He is mature, balanced, and has the gravitas that is currently lacking.
But onto more serious discussion – WHEN WILL MALEMA BE REPLACED? How much more damage can he do/will the ANC stand?
I think you will find that the ANC is maturer than it’s opposition though.
Can you imagine how Cope would hijack Manuel running the ANC? I can, and it’s not pretty.
Trevor is the best man for the job but we’ll just wait and see.
I believe that Cyril Ramaphosa would make a good prez.
@Sipho, the ANC should hold a primary and let the people in the ANC chose who they want to lead them in their party. This is what the people did with Obama in the US in the Democratic party.
For me the best thing that could happen is if the ANC disintegrate completely and the SA population will have their revenge by putting these thugs up on trial for the many injustices the brought unto ordinary SA citizens.
@Khaya, the biggest myth about the politic in the US that one has to be rich to run for office. Many people have ran for office in the US with big money and lost the election. In SA the party has to support one to be president or that person is going nowhere in politic in SA. In the US one can take their show on the road to the people and the people can decide if they like that person. A good example is Obama during the last election. The party system that one see in SA is not a democratic system and should be scraped to a more democratic system like in the US. Zuma told the people that he knew nothing about running the president and would do whatever the party told him to do. He became the president of SA without discussing not one issue facing the people of SA.
Tokyo Sexwale is purpoted to be a Billionaire? How did he do that in 15 years??
Khaya lets all do positive affirmations for Zumas legacy to the country to be to take Malema and his sheeple down with him. Wouldn’t that be a Shakespearean twist! And us Safricans love drama. Thanks for your list. I would love to see Trevor Manuel go further. I think that folks like me who dont have a good grip on politics would at least feel more confidant in someone like Manuel because he has proven himself. Perhaps he would restore a smidgen of that old thing called integrity to South African politics.
Interesting debate. Something tells me that either Joel Netshitenzhe or Trevor Manuel (in that order) might make very good and capable leaders for the ANC and for South Africa. But I haven’t come to terms with Trevor Manuel’s silly justification of Motlanthe’s refusal of entry into South Africa by the Dalai Lama (The Tibetan spiritual leader), apparently under Chinese pressure. I consider both men from the perspective of South Africa’s internal affairs (still pressing transformation and service delivery needs, as well clean government)and its many international obligations and interests. For now, I’d take my chance on those two.
Khaya Dlanga = a disgruntled XHOPE member.
According to you FACEBOOK profile the following are your favourate politicians: Thabo Mbeki, Mvume Dandala and Mbazima Shilowa. I rest my case.
Khaya, I think the primary issue is the political incline in SA.Think about the Textile industry in SA – Chinese are basically +/- 99.9% profiting.Is the ANC (Ruling Party) not aware of this? (Anyway who funded their previuos election campains?) Proove me otherwise then.
Dear Khaya,
Your penchant for satire makes me wonder whether you are being serious or just tongue in cheek!
Probably Manuel and Sexwale are the most capable of trying to make some sense out of the farce that the ANC has descended into (and taken the motherland along for the ride).
Truthfully though, they are all jointly responsible for obstructing the country from reaching its full potential because they put the wellbeing of the organisation and by definition themselves before that of the nation.
Moeletsi Mbeki could make a huge difference but alas he could never win the support of the “comrades” of the ANC and is probably regarded as being one of the “enemy”
The enemy however lies within.
Duh! Obviously he will be replaced by COPE. Don’t you remember we were going to vote for COPE? One of the Shikota couple will be our president come 2012. And you aren’t doing COPE any good by writting stuff about the ANC.
You should be talking about the down fall of the ANC and COPE taking over and not entertain the succession battle within the ANC.
Trevor is the most capable of the lot–except when he feels compelled to follow the party line.
The ‘collective’ distrust him because he thinks. Thinkers are not easily controlled. They weigh and measure, criticise their own thinking to expose any flaws, invite opinions, and are more interested in the BEST solution to a problem than the most CONVENIENT POLITICAL solution.
Remember he opposed the arms deal and was banished from the discussions because of it; he opposed–and stopped–the arms shipment from China to Zim being transported through SA; he understands that governments are paid for by TAX MONEY and that in order to tax people they have to have an income. Consequently, the best economic model for a country without a death wish is the MIXED ECONOMY, along Scandanavian lines.
Trevor has his own set of principles and they are not necessarily identical to the ANC’s–especially the thugs who control the party now.
Bringing Cyril into the Planning Group to work with Trevor was either the only smart thing Zuma has done in his life, or the ANC thugs want all the smart guys in one room when they assassinate them–figuratively and maybe literally.
Cyril + Trevor = South Africa’s Brain Trust. For that alone they will be pillaried by the Idi-ocracy unless the high rollers in the ANC like Mashatile can put their egos in their pockets and support the best people to lead the country. Don’t hold your breath…
Aah! Come come now Khaya! Are you not living in Cloud Cuckooland? You have the audacity to suggest that the principle of “best ‘man’ for the job” should apply? Where have you been Mr Dlanga? You would of course have to apply the same principle to your choice of their cabinet ministers! How dare you? You’d be obliged to leave out almost all of our existing cabinet! Our Minister of Justice has not yet completed his trip through all the ministries. We know of course the earth shattering imprints he’s left in all his preceding positions. What a difference he’s made. We have arguably the most beautiful Minister of Defence the world has ever seen. She’s drop dead gorgeous and has the arrogance to go with it. You cannot possibly think of leaving her out!…and look at her previous success’s. Earth shattering! Further, you can bet your bottom Zim dollar that the ANCWL will be in contact with you with regard to their 50% representation on your list of suitable candidates. How dare you not be sensitive to this Khaya? and what about Big Julie? Its as if you dont know he exists! I would imagine that the next ANCYL conference is out of bounds to you sir! Such naivety …..
I know none of these people well enough to make a choice. To me, they’re rather like new street names: everywhere around with nothing exceptional to distinguish any and no visible history to convince me.
I hear you scream that Trevor I must know and you’re correct. I think he screwed up by not recognising a recession when it was already biting at his heels. Perhaps now that he shares his bed with a banker, he might not repeat the mistake. But then, Transnet’s still in an almighty mess, even tho’ the banker was sent there as its saviour.
My vote would go to Moeletsi Mbeki. He’s educated, not scare to share his intelligence, understands the world’s view and can take a world view of our needs. Not surprisingly, he appears to shun politics, which means he also seems to retain an ethical viewpoint on the poor who need such a man desperately; for jobs, education and their health.
Khaya
Maybe you should ask these so called proposed men to look themselves in the mirror, then you will find your answer.
I agree with Xolani that this is your personal list, no research done here so Id say we wait and see, 2012 is still young with the YL going for basic military training is Sep, who knows who they might shoot when they come back??
While at it I suggest you challenge them YL, if this bossy attitude with threats of blackmail, is the right thing to do to elders, by talking back and threatning to peel their parental titles (ANC-NEC) is this what YL want the youth to do when beng punished by their parents, instead of telling Julius to accept the decision, apologise and move on, I mean we do not need this drama, we have heard enough of these rise above the rest YL, they must install and restore respect for elders period!
Motlanthe is non-partisan. He won’t be ANC president because he’s the one leader who has risen above the factional battles and power struggles. He’s too independent. Sexwale won’t have the support of the communists and unionists, although if at the next conference, the struggle is between the nationalists and the communists, we will see how strong the nationalists are. If they are stronger than the left, Sexwale could win without the support of the SACP and COSATU.
I think everyone can see the problem here. These men won’t get into power because they have values and ethics. The ANC abandoned its core values a very long time ago. The ANC of Mandela, Tambo and Sisulu has now become the ANC of Malema and Mbalula – neither a shred of honour nor a damn in the world about the poor people of this country.
@MLH, the press talks about Malema but never talk about the million of jobs that are being exported to China and many people who had jobs are unemployed. Speaking of Moelesti Mbeki, I read his book “Architect of Poverty” and he talks about how the ANC has allowed the SA industry to be destroyed by the Chinese and other Asian countries. I would like to see an article done on the SA trade policy that exported millions of jobs out of SA with the help of COSATU.
I seem to remember that the last president [but one], he whom i call ‘Thabo the great’ [ for reasons that are too simplistic for intellectuals], was prone to sideline so-called ‘intellectuals’. Why pick on a man who makes no pretense to intellectual pursuits at all… ?
He is a man of the people and the people’s choice after al; and will no doubt prefer a second run to any of those you’ve mentioned…
And anyway Julius wants the job… since it has been proved that you don’t have to be a ‘clever’ to be the boss… We’ve survived three hundred years of precedents after all.
Tokyo as a leader is one of the occurences(lol) that I wish not to ever be put through. He comes off as a man that looks out for number one, which is not such a bad thing in light of what’s been discovered about ppl in power that are suppose to be working with us to aid in a comfortable living for all.
Staying with the kind that deals with finance, I’d rather be in the position to be lead by Trevor Manuel; regardless of his coloured nature, which should not even be a matter that is up for discussion. Are we NOT over it? Please catch up if you aren’t on par. Trevor, yes I call him by first name, lead the coutry’s economics for the longest time and not many complained & I’m pro being lead by an economist than a full-on politician anymore. The fact that he’s a very charming man does not hurt his profile either. On that note, I do not agree with you on Tokyo’s ‘charm’, Khaya. I have not ever felt charmed or wowed by this gentleman. He’s swift and a good business man but politician, I don’t know.
Thanks You for the article. Great read
An interesting topic as always Khaya with some very interesting responses. In a perfect world/parliament, the leader should be (A) Capable of leading (b) Willing to serve (c) beyond reproach as a man of integrity with no previous scandals clinging to his name (d) drawn from a list put forward by the winning party by (e)a representative selected for the purpose from each of the other elected parties for that new term of office. In other words the ANC would select 5 of their most capable members regardless of their field of expertise based on the above criteria and allow the voices of all the people to be heard and not just that of their own comrades. If this were done perhaps it would lessen the personal attacks from the leaders in opposition and lead to a more cohesive group of people more concerned with fulfilling the roles they were placed there to fill. It would shift the responsibility from just one party to all the parties since each would have at least some say in which of the five people received the nod to be the leader of the country. I think that this would be a much fairer way of doing things. Perhaps there could be a further rider that those who make up that panel of kingmaker should have served the people for at least two terms before being asked to form part of this kingmaking panel. The YL leaders should be observers as well.
Khaya, I also think the list should also include Zwelinzima Vavi. Yes, he is a leftist but also he sounds like a man who genuinely cares about about the people. We must also remember that ANC is a broad church, therefore even if we have a leftist individual as a leader, it doesn’t mean that he will implement his ideas only. I also support a mixed economy suggestion.
Wonder how people think Tokyo can run the Republic when he dismally failed to lead a province – Gauteng?. Another puzzle is on Kgalema’s credentials for the top job. I mean the guy has been silent since he took over as Deputy President.
My Top 5 candidates for the job are:
1. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma * after serving in both Mandela’s and Mbeki’s cabinet’s she has the experience to do well.
2. Pallo Jordan – he as well can do a good job.
3. Trevor Manuel – stature can make him do well.
4. Jeff Radebe – only weakness his he has no back-bone and bets for the “winning horse”. he would have to chnage his character to do well.
5. Cyril Ramaphosa
It would be an absolute dream come true if the next president came from an opposition party. Haven’t we had enough of corruption and ineptitude?
Viva Helen Zille!!
Let the ANC die a natural death – it’s almost there. We need a new party, soon.
The only vacuum I see is not the ANC leadership, but in the heads of some blog writers who think the majority of our people chose the wrong leadership, and they know better how to choose leadership.
Motlanthe was put in a difficult position of being President, yet not President, which he seemed to handle quite well. He was dealing with both reality and the infighting of the ANC professionally and humbly. As a true president, his restraint and ability to work with various parties with integrity, may bring out the qualities South Africa needs in a leader. (NP)I recall statements of not to be dismissed radicals against putting Manuel in the cabinet because it indicated that blacks were not competent to handle economic affairs, a prejudice that will be difficult to overcome given recent racial history. Otherwise, perhaps he showed pragmatic compromise with the Dali Lama issue, China is a force to be reckoned with as even the U.S. is acknowledging, a necessary leadership trait. He inspires confidence in integrity and would be a welcome change. I like Siobhan’s reply. It is nice to consider that the possibility of competency might emerge from this mess. And comments regarding actual representation of the people shed light on just why there is a mess.
Why not have a white president?
I’d agree with A. Sevillano; Ramaphosa is probably the best candidate. A uunion man, but clever enough to know that the unions can’t run the show. He would bring some competancy to the situation. Perhaps Motlanthe as deputy still?
We need some competancy and dignity restored to our government.
Interesting article Khaya, I think most of us could careless who the president of the anc is. It could be u Khaya and R3NDl3R as the official oposition as long as u are accountable.In Fact most of us are missing the mark by looking for leaders amongst people who have either tolerated or embraced incompetence for more then 15years in power.
Atlas Reader on May 16th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Nice one my man and very true indeed.
I have always said that I don’t mind a white president as long as he is not there to serve only the interest of the minority but rather serve the interest of everyone in SA. So a white president who is within the ANC is definitely someone I can vote for. If the ANC was to make “Kortbrook” a candidate I will definitely support him, as long as he is implementing the policy’s of the ANC. I unfortunately can’t vote for the other white lead parties in SA as they only exist to serve the interests of the minority and they don’t care about the majority of the black population.
So to answer your question, yes I will vote for Hellen Zille if she joins the ANC.
Khaya.I think on any subject you put forward you must review the facts before you are putting forward any subject for comments/ or debate.We all know that leadership was never made from intellects,we have seen what Mbeki did to who had different views to his. Our problems as blacks South African cannot be solved by the graduates of white elite universities, who count their votes on media like you and I are doing now.
The candidates that you mentioned the most possessed cetain qualities not ascertain with leadership quality and only one does have leadership quality but no longer active physically. We need an engaging, opened minded person, none emotional responder, not a pusher like Mbeki as he did to Winnie Dikizela Mandela at then ,FNB studiam in front of the nation. So how can you get the best out of your counterparts to deliver if you are inconsiderate and you are mr knows all.
We need a woman who is educated, has cooked, cleaned up and raised her children, seen her husband off to work and taught her children to love and respect him. A woman who has had to plan the household expenditure is the only one qualified to run this country! Other than that -Trevor Manuel – assisted by his wife who has all the attributes to make this counry work even if she is not Black.
The only person who should ever be considered for ANC president, and that of the country, is Trevor Manuel. I am not participating in the next elections, unless he is the ANC president.
Judging by many of the blogs the ANC party faithful believe that there is no other solution but within the ANC.
Copes dismal failure to create a meaningful alternative merely reinforces this misconception.
Equating Nationalism with National loyalty and patriotism is dangerous and foolish.
German Nationalism , Afrikaner Nationalism African Nationalism have all seeked to benefit only the loyal.
South Africa’s future is at stake. Time to wake up and form a new alignment of reasonable people.
The only thing the country needs is an ANC that will cleanse itself, and opposition parties that do not have narrow interests.
Electoral reform is urgently needed.
The wierd thing is, almost anybody will agree the ANC is doing a terrible job, but still vote for them in the elections. I don’t mean to sound sarcastic, i just dont get it.
Trevor is white.
@Xolani, can a COPE member not discuss who he’d like to see in power. Reality is that the ANC is in power, and Zuma isn’t as famous as he was when that woman was burning impepho for him at the court stoep.
dialogue and confrontation should be separated.
Only Joel and Manuel are the best candidates. As for Sexwale, he’s far worse than Zuma. he think money can buy him votes. I think Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma can be a better choice as well. we should be honest about the fact the majority of people who are capable of leading the ANC are from the Mbeki camp or those who were close to him except for Lekota and Shilowa.
Surely, this country has more to offer than a president who has been involved in court cases,
corruption, rape and money laundering accusation.
Khaya you are as thought provoking as ever, but what stuns me is that you never considered one woman on that list. Why is that? There are dedicated and very strongly principled women in the ANC far more capable than the current president. Nkosazaza Dlamini-Zuma is one such case in point as her aim is the same as when she began her political career, to serve the people. I challenge you to search the list and create a female based selection for us to comment on.