If the ruling party is still relying on the usual miracles that people vote for them during elections, they seriously must have a rethink. They need to wake up and smell the coffee, instead of relaxing as if all is well.
It has already begun surfacing with the recent by-election loss to the DA in Lekwa. All of these developments happen because of cracks in the organization. As we speak, the Lekwa community is seemingly disgruntled. This takes place at a crucial time when we are fast approaching the general elections in 2019.
Methinks there is definitely a missing link within the ruling party itself. All those that are grappling to replace former chairperson, DD Mabuza, lack his charismatic way of doing things and handling conflict among warring comrades.
He had his way of worming into communities even at the height of conflict or during normal situations. He was a grounded person who did a lot for the underprivileged and pampered them with all sorts of assistance.
To me it is a concern that many have established foundations. Do they know what it takes to run a foundation and what personality you need to have under such circumstances? Are we to witness an ANC with a majority of its members heading foundations? Is it not enough for individuals to collectively do charity activities than all the fracas we’re witnessing, most of which is also accompanied by memorial lectures? There is nothing wrong with memorial lectures per se, but does it have to be everybody conducting lectures instead of a protracted programme designated from the Secretary General’s office according to their constitution?
All these are taking place during a sensitive era, as the province is preparing for its elective conference on September 14-16 where Mabuza and his former deputy, Violet Siwela will be replaced.
My further concern centres around open campaigns, because really, people need to know what stuff you are made of. Seemingly that is not permissible, because candidates will be nominated by delegates from the floor on the day of the elections. Another further concern is: is there sufficient consensus reached with all known contenders for representation among the delegates during the conference in order to avoid conflict, disgruntlement and possibly court action?
On a more serious note: was it not early to let Mabuza go to his current position as deputy president? I have not seen anyone with his kind of guts, but men and women who attack each other on platforms instead of embarking on unified action to elect the best among them and defeat the enemy.
United you stand, divided you fall and wither. This calls for action before it is too late.
