Making sense of Mangaung and beyond
South African politics has been dominated over the past year by the political ructions caused in the build-up to the ANC’s elective conference held at Mangaung. Despite the much-maligned leadership of President Zuma, his impressive re-election was almost as significant as the return of ANC heavyweight Cyril Ramaphosa, as Deputy President of the party. For some, Mangaung potentially represents an important turning point for the ANC and the country as the ruling party attempts to build another victory in advance of the 2014 General Election But for others, is this perhaps just more of the same?
In this just-released keynote, Independent Political Analyst & Director of the Political Futures Consultancy, Daniel Silke, provides a timely, insightful and unbiased account of the implications of the Mangaung conference for South Africa. What really happened at the conference and how will Mangaung affect the ANC and South Africa into the future? Does Cyril Ramaphosa represent a new shift towards a more business-friendly ANC?
What will be the pressures on the new leadership of the party? Can the ANC unite or will it remain a divided organisation into the future? What are the policy and ideological strains within the ruling Alliance that hamper the creation of a more coherent and stable economic policy? Can Opposition to the ANC grow further as a result of Mangaung and what will the view of foreign investors be as they contemplate the shifting political landscape? Above all, Can Cyril Ramaphosa come to the rescue of Jacob Zuma and help the ANC hold onto its power-base as it approaches the crucial 2014 election?
Finally, Silke will look at three possible scenarios for the future: Will Jacob Zuma last his full term of office or will he be recalled and replaced? Will the nature of the Presidency change to enable Cyril Ramaphosa to play an elevated, more ‘Prime Ministerial’ role leaving Jacob Zuma to ceremonial duties? Or perhaps, President Zuma may complete a full second term as President with Ramaphosa as his lifeline – by his side? These and other options will be fully explored and make for a fascinating insight into the short-to-medium term domestic political scene.
This is an essential presentation as South Africa moves to transition to a new political future. Ideal for conventions, conferences or smaller briefings, this is sure to be one of the most important keynotes you will want to hear as the dust settles post-Mangaung.
Book early for the first quarter of 2013 and also for events surrounding Budget 2013 in February.
SA: The State of the Nation
