Former health minister Zweli Mkhize is trying to become the next president of South Africa but to do that he would first need to win the ANC presidency at its next elective conference due to be held later this year.
Mkhize has a few hurdles to jump before he can consider himself a proper contender for the top job. He needs to rally support in his home province KwaZulu-Natal, avoid being criminally charged for his involvement in the digital vibes scandal, and beat out current president Cyril Ramaphosa.
A tall order when you give it some thought.
Sam Mkokeli does not see Mkhize as having any chance of winning against Ramaphosa and has called Mkhize a “dead man walking.”
Mkokeli cites the ANC’s step aside rule as being the major downfall for Mkhize because if he is to be criminally charged, he won’t be able to stand for any internal party elections. Mkhize has also struggled to gain nationwide support in previous elections after KZN failed to throw support behind him in the 2017 elective conference and instead opted for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Mkokeli also believes Mkhize would need the radical economic transformation (RET) faction to rally around him for there to be any chance of taking on Ramaphosa, and any endorsement from the RET faction would need Jacob Zuma’s blessing.
Yesterday, we brought you the outrage and shock that some commentators shared over the government’s proposed plan to erect a 100-metre-tall flagpole in Freedom Park, Pretoria. Today cabinet approved the plan and said it did not consider the cost during its decision-making process.
We have more reactions to the giant flagpole installation for you below:
Nathi Mthethwa’s (final?) monumental red flag – Daily Maverick
Mbhazima Shilowa | Maybe Mthethwa meant the R22m flag will support the ‘steal’ industry? – News24 (for subscribers)
Qaanitah Hunter | A glow-in-the dark flag? The government puts its arrogance on full display – News24 (for subscribers)
Here’s a round-up of opinions, editorials, and in-depth articles we’re reading:
Putin reminds me more and more of PW Botha — hopefully, he’ll suffer a similar fate – Daily Maverick
CHRIS ROPER: Getting to grips with cancel culture – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Pieter du Toit | SA has lost the ability to take difficult decisions… or rise to the occasion – News24 (for subscribers)
Yengeni, Malema, Zuma: Nkandla gunning for Ramaphosa, Zondo becomes a catalyst – The Citizen (for subscribers)
