It will be Cyril Ramaphosa’s political opponents within the ANC and not the president and his camp that will come out of Phala Phala farm theft scandal the better, argues Stephen Grootes. The commentator writes that Arthur Fraser’s accusations of criminal misconduct against the president will send the party into a new brutal factional war, which will surely force Ramaphosa to finally rid the party of his political opponents – Daily Maverick. Read more here.
Oscar van Heerden references the political cult classic movie, Wag the Dog, and writes that the onus of proof lies with Fraser. It will be up to him to prove all of the accusations he has made against Ramaphosa. Van Heerden writes the president will maintain plausible deniability in that he reported the crime to his presidential protection unit and left it at that, anything that happened after the fact, the president knew nothing of it – News24. Read more here.
Natasha Marrian writes while the radical economic transformation will make a loud noise ahead of the ANC elective conference and try to trump up even more stories about Ramaphosa, they will die down and the incumbent party president will be re-elected. It’s an assessment that Van Heerden shares. Marrian writes the real main show at the conference will be the battle for the deputy presidency where the fight will be between various factions within Ramaphosa’s own camp – Financial Mail. Read more here. (for subscribers)
Here’s a round-up of other articles we’re reading:
EDITORIAL: Deeply worrying that president has not answered crucial questions – Business Day
EDITORIAL: Don’t expect Guptas in SA any time soon – Financial Mail
Pieter du Toit | Browse Mole, Ground Coverage, Arthur Fraser … it’s ANC election season, baby! – News24 (for subscribers)
ROB ROSE: Tongaat’s secrets tumble out – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
JONATHAN JANSEN | Arthur and Cyril’s teachers must have taught deflection well – Sunday Times Daily (for subscribers)
Ramaphosa and the Phala Phala buck bucks — Groundhog Day, brought to you by the ANC – Daily Maverick
Image Credit: GCIS
