Zuma's last term to launch leadership race
A new leadership battle in the ANC will start the moment President Jacob Zuma is inaugurated for his second and last term as head of state.
This is not only expected to make Zuma a lame duck president, it is expected to see him come under significant fire from his own party as members try to distance themselves from his scandal-ridden first term.
While the ANC leadership is galvanised to secure the party a respectable majority in the May election, the real battle for Zuma will begin after the poll.
He will not be able to appease all his allies and enemies with positions in cabinet or government.
Being included in cabinet for the second term may, however, prove to be the kiss of death for those wanting to disassociate themselves from the corruption, scandal and lack of accountability that has defined Zuma’s first term.
The deep fissures within Cosatu will also play a role in all this, especially as re-instated secretary general of the union, Zwelinzima Vavi heads up a faction that has no time for Zuma in much the same way it had no time for Mbeki and played a key role in getting him recalled.
(File photo: Sapa)