Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

4 min read | 13:50 CAT

The ANC Provincial Executive Committee in KwaZulu-Natal has put their weight behind former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize as their preferred candidate for the position of ANC president, with Paul Mashatile as his deputy. They made the announcement hours after former president Jacob Zuma released a statement calling for support for his former wife, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s presidential campaign.

In discussion with Radio Islam International, political analyst Prof Bheki Mngomezulu said Zuma should not have any released statement calling on support for Dlamini-Zuma as he seems to be hated by many people which works against her.

He said the former President should have learnt from the happenings in 2017. Some people did not support Dlamini-Zuma, not because she didn’t possess the requisite skills but because she was associated with the former President.

“Dr Dlamini-Zuma has given President Ramaphosa a good run for his money. It would have been advisable to allow her to run her course without him saying anything,” he added.

At the moment, two people from the same province are contesting the same position with the President, who is gaining support from other regions. Prof Ngomizulu said that is handing the Presidency to President Ramaphosa on a silver platter.

Meanwhile, Mkihze was implicated in the regular warding of the digital vibe contracts linked to the people in his department.

According to Prof Ngomizulu, Mzkhize and Ramaphosa both have allegations against them. However, no formal charges have been laid against them despite the series of accusations against the President.

The step aside rule, interpreted as having those allegations levelled against you, does not warrant the step aside resolution to be imposed. Instead, it is said the only time the resolution is to be revoked is after a formal charge.

Jacob Zuma has also thrown his hat into the ring for National Chairperson. Prof Ngomizulu said the context in which this is happening has to be considered.

Adding, “The former President is on parole; if he becomes active, it will raise eyebrows. There are also certain chargers to which he has to answer in case he avails himself to be elected, and the step aside resolution will be invoked.”

Listen to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Prof Bheki Mngomezulu on Radio Islam’s podcast.