Ramaphosa’s fall from grace is Mkhize’s ticket

His chances of success seem remote, but former health minister Zweli Mkhize is eagerly polishing his bid to next week beat scandal-troubled president Cyril Ramaphosa in ANC elections.

Mkhize has long been cast in the role of underdog in the race to be president of the ANC – a job that opens the way to being head of state.

Today, though, Ramaphosa’s standing has been savaged by scandal, and Mkhize is making it clear that if the frontrunner stumbles further, he’s waiting in the wings.

“The president says he’s innocent and no-one has reason to doubt that,” Mkhize said in an interview with AFP, one of a string he conducted with the media ahead of the 16 December ballot.

But, he said, in a suave snipe at the scandal that has left South Africa agog, “I don’t think it’s a usual experience”.

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The 70-year-old president’s political future is in doubt over accusations that he covered up the theft of a huge amount of cash at his farm instead of reporting the matter to the police.

Party bosses

Ramaphosa, in submissions to a three-person investigative panel, denied any wrongdoing. He said the cash – more than $500 000 stashed beneath sofa cushions – was payment for buffaloes bought by a Sudanese businessperson.

His explanation did not convince the panel, which raised questions about the source of the cash and said he “may have committed” serious violations and misconduct.

Their report is going to be put to parliament on Tuesday, stoking speculation that MPs could move towards a vote to remove him from office.

At the height of the storm, the ANC’s paramount NEC rallied around the beleaguered president, announcing any such move would be opposed.

Mkhize was deeply critical of that meeting.

“I wasn’t able to speak,” he said. “The way they ran the meeting was a very unusual, weird way.

“Whilst in the middle and people were still supposed to speak, they decided to close the meeting and say, ‘Now we have an agreement’… I stood up and objected.

“It creates an impression that the views of certain members must be muzzled,” he said.

Mkhize conducted a media blitz at a rented house, with a garden and swimming pool visible behind large bay windows.

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ANC’s troubles

The ANC has ruled SA since the advent of democracy in 1994. But its popularity is slumping.

The long spell in office has left it riven by factional infighting and a reputation for corruption.

Mkhize, 66, is among those whose image has been tainted by corruption allegations.

In a schoolmasterly tone, he spelt out what he would do if he was given the helm: create jobs, train young people and build homes. None of these goals is revolutionary.

He can look to strong support for his presidential bid from KwaZulu-Natal, which has the largest number of party delegates.

But if he has a serious chance of beating Ramaphosa on 16 December, he must count on his rival’s further fall from grace and to widen his backing among the divided party.

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