Edward Van Zyl
PRESIDENT Jacob "good story to tell" Zuma has finally admitted that the African National Congress (ANC) is "in trouble" and that, by extension, SA is too.
He also says the ANC is "shaken".
In his speech at the ANC Youth League’s "consultative conference", which was downgraded from an elective one, Zuma is quoted as saying that the "lack of discipline" and "negative tendencies" must be eradicated.
These include gate-keeping, the "bad influence of money" and lack of respect for one another.
These are the very things that have become entrenched and are flourishing on Zuma’s watch. The ANC has been papering over the cracks for so long that its lauded ability to "self-correct" no longer seems possible. Unfortunately, Zuma was stopped in his tracks from further explaining his comments by ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe.
It’s a pity. Mantashe may have railroaded the one moment in which Zuma was trying to do something he rarely does: show leadership.
Perhaps Zuma should appoint a task team to tackle the troubles in the ANC. He has appointed one for almost all the difficulties his administration has faced so far — a task team on e-tolls, on service delivery, on Nkandla, on the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), on labour unrest and, the latest, on state-owned enterprises.
He told youth league delegates not to complain that their conference was downgraded and they were not able to elect leaders. He urged them to "put the ANC first".
The league is among the organisations obliterated during Zuma’s tenure. And those responsible, who rose to positions of influence punting Zuma, are now outside the ANC, forging a new and separate path — the Economic Freedom Fighters are now taking on Zuma in Parliament.
The ANC Women’s League has not convened an elective conference since 2009.
The rebellious veterans league president, Sandi Sejake, has been courting the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and is rumoured to be active in its United Front.
Cosatu is heading in that direction too, although it has opted to take the much slower, scenic route.
The problems in the federation stem from differences over the various factions’ approach to the Zuma administration. Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini and his ilk believed the post-Polokwane honeymoon should continue, while general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and company felt that Zuma had not delivered on his side of the bargain in exchange for the federation’s support in his battle against his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki.
Five reasons were given for Numsa’s expulsion from Cosatu. But one not given for the drastic censure was Numsa’s resolution to call for Zuma to resign.
This special resolution, adopted at Numsa’s special national congress a year ago, said: "This (congress) calls on President Jacob Zuma to resign with immediate effect because of his administration’s pursuit of neoliberal policies such as the NDP (National Development Plan), e-tolls, labour brokers, youth wage subsidy; and the track record of his administration, which is steeped in corruption, patronage and nepotism."
Zuma may not be directing the destruction of Cosatu, but it is done in his name. With Numsa expelled and seven other unions refusing to take part in Cosatu processes, the federation may already have split, even if it doesn’t yet quite realise it.
A document circulating on social media depicts Numsa as being part of a "plot" to bring about regime change in SA, along with academics such as Prof Chris Malikane, Prof Peter Jordi and Prof Patrick Bond.
The document, claiming to have been penned by "concerned members of Numsa", also cites a number of foreign individuals pushing for this agenda.
Vavi, too, was painted as an "agent of imperialism", working towards destabilising the ANC and the country. Given Zuma’s comments, the party seems to be doing this all by itself.
So yes, Mr President, the ANC is in trouble and, along with it, the country. Perhaps the turning point would arrive if the ANC put SA, and not its own interests, first.
• Marrian is political editor.