Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma irked millions during the lockdown, when she approved bans on alcohol and tobacco sales – Photo: Flickr / GovernmentZA
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma irked millions during the lockdown, when she approved bans on alcohol and tobacco sales – Photo: Flickr / GovernmentZA
At the ripe old age of 73, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has certainly been around the block a few times. As one of the ANC’s most senior politicians, her leadership credentials outshine most – but could she end up dethroning Cyril Ramaphosa as president later this year?
It seems there is some momentum behind NDZ, in the run-up to the ANC Elective Conference in December. Campaign posters have been popping up online, emblazoned with catchy slogans and unique hashtags. The #NDZ22 vehicle has already slotted itself into first gear.
#NDZ22 There is a push within the ANC for Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to contest as President again in December, the campaign is dubbed NDZ22. pic.twitter.com/P8lJ1yFItx
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) August 24, 2022
There has been no official declaration from the Dlamini-Zuma camp. If she was to challenge Ramaphosa as leader of the ANC, South Africa would see a repeat of the ‘Battle of Nasrec’ in 2017. The pair faced-off in the showdown to replace Jacob Zuma – with Cyril winning narrowly.
Almost five years after his appointment, however, Mr. Ramaphosa has encountered numerous difficulties. High unemployment rates, the soaring cost of living, and his own personal scandals have chipped away at the ‘Ramaphoria’ which greeted his ascent to the top.
The appetite for change is brewing within the ANC – even if that means leaning on someone very familiar.
The fact that she is respected struggle hero & stalwart – & was married to former President Jacob Zuma for many years, should tell you everything you need to know about NDZ’s resilience & die-hard attitude.
— Vusi Sambo (@VusiSambo) August 24, 2022
If the below is true, she wants to challenged Cyril yet again.RET warcry. pic.twitter.com/TebAnwPqor
Of course, there will be concerns about what an NDZ-led South Africa would look like. Dlamini-Zuma didn’t exactly endear herself to the public during the COVID lockdowns – and was responsible for enforcing a set of bizarre policy decisions that failed to stand up to scrutiny.
As Head of COGTA, her signatures essentially ushered in cigarette bans, alcohol prohibition, and the outlawing of cooked chickens. Dlamini-Zuma was seen as a pantomime villain by some – but even her most vocal critics are giving credence to her presidential potential.
Dean Macpherson, the Shadow Minister for Trade, has locked horns many times with the ANC stalwart since March 2020. However, he believes these candidacy rumours have legs. According to the DA representative, NDZ is in a good position to challenge, due to her ‘measurable base’.
“All the commentators said that if Dlamini-Zuma had won in 2017, things would have got worse for the ANC. That’s going to be a hard line to sustain in 2022. NDZ is also the only credible candidate with a measurable base to stand against Ramaphosa. This is going to be interesting.”
Dean Macpherson