by Colin Bosman
Ace Magashule’s challenging of President Cyril Ramaphosa by defying a request for him to step aside until his issues are resolved highlights the contempt and disdain Magashule has for the president.
It must be emphasised that it was but a request by the president and not an order. That Magashule chose to throw down the gauntlet by showing his middle finger to the president illustrates his lust for power.
It must be crystal clear to all but the brain dead that half of the big six sitting on the NEC (National Executive Committee) remain affiliates and supporters of Jacob Zuma and yearn for a return to the bad old days where provincial leaders answered only to their branches and not to national government.
The configuration of the ANC leadership protocol highlights the absurdity of the electoral process which effectively places total power in the hands of provincial leaders who are able to cock their noses at central government with impunity.
If Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, rallied his supporters and threw down a challenge to the USA Federal Government it would result in Federal Troops descending on New York City.
But here, nothing happens as political power is vested not in central government but in provinces.
If the choice is a return to the Zuma-era or to send troops into the Free State to subdue insurrection in that province then the we all know the answer to that one.
The question, however, is not what the public thinks but rather when President Ramaphosa intends addressing the treachery within his ranks.
* Colin Bosman, Newlands.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Newspapers.
Cape Argus
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