Mbete available to lead ANC, not ‘hurt’ by ANCWL’s backing of Dlamini-Zuma

Baleka Mbete joins Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and former AU Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in being the female contenders for the presidency of the ANC.

Sisulu announced her availability for the position on Friday, saying she was ready to lead. Dlamini-Zuma has already been endorsed by her ex-husband President Jacob Zuma, the ANC Women’s League and Youth League.

Speaking to City Press, Mbete said it was time women were chosen to occupy top positions in the ruling party including that of the presidency. She cited having 40 years’ worth of political experience as contributing to her clout for the top job. It is understood Mbete will be supported by branches in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

“I have served in the ANC for just over 40 years and occupied various roles in the process, my latest being the party’s first female national chairperson. And I have had the honour of serving as such for two terms.

“An inordinate volume of lessons has been learnt in this journey, including leadership lessons,” said Mbete.

ALSO READ: How Mbete was ‘sidelined’ in favour of Dlamini-Zuma for ANC presidency 

On the issue of the ANCWL’s endorsing Dlamini-Zuma for the presidency, despite her having not played a prominent role in the country’s politics for several years, Mbete said she was surprised but not hurt by their announcement.

“I do not feel betrayed. I was not hurt. A bit surprised – that I can say. But I don’t know whether it is my more than 40 years of being in politics that played a role.

“I was surprised, but I did not feel personally betrayed because you never have expectations in this game – because if you live on expectations, you will be hurt every day. You will die of a heart condition.”

In February, Mbete backtracked on declaring her availability to be nominated by structures to succeed Zuma. After giving a wide-ranging interview to the Sunday Times about her aspirations, she later denied saying she was ready to lead.

It has been speculated that she no longer enjoys a cordial relationship with Zuma after he backed Dlamini-Zuma to succeed him instead of her. While she has declared her loyalty to Zuma over the years and has defended him in parliament, Mbete added she felt strongly that it was time for a female president to take charge.

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