It appears that Jacob Zuma now leads the race for the ANC leadership, the fruits of which almost assuredly will be the country's presidency after the country's 2009 elections. At least this is the scuttlebut from Western Cape ANC secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha (via the Cape Argus), the Mail & Guardian (via SAPA), and the BBC. Actual polling results indicate that the race is a virtual dead heat. Meanwhile some continue to hope for a “third way” that would elude the party's Zuma-Mbeki split.
I’ll admit, I’m uneasy with Zuma's ascendancy. Even if he finds himself fully acquitted of all charges, the rape chages he faced and the corruption charges that still linger around him are, to say the least, disquieting and reveal appalling judgment even if they do not amount to criminal conduct. Furthermore, I wonder if his appeal among the rank-and-file is not more the result of discontent with Mbeki and Zuma's own capacity to play the populist.
There are still three weeks or so until the ANC conference will solidify its future leadership. Nothing is set in stone. But it seems clear that Zuma will enter the conference as the party frontrunner.
