South Africa: #CR2017, We Have Liftoff - Ramaphosa Takes Aim At Zuma, State Capture

analysis

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally ripped off his muzzle, pitching state capture, "the demon of corruption" and patronage as the main targets of his campaign for leadership of the ANC. Addressing a Chris Hani memorial lecture in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, Ramaphosa repeated his criticism of President Jacob Zuma's recent Cabinet reshuffle and came out in support of a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture. With Zuma and his preferred successor Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma having had a free run of the field, the launch of Ramaphosa's campaign opens the fight back campaign for control of the ANC. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.

Had Cyril Ramaphosa waited until July to kick his campaign into motion, he would have missed the opportunity to harness the growing anger and restlessness in the ANC, the alliance and society. The ANC has barred campaigning until after its mid-year policy conference. But the events of the past month, with Zuma firing the minister and deputy minister of finance two days after Ahmed Kathrada's death and triggering two credit ratings downgrades to junk status, has led to unprecedented public anger and a backlash from the alliance.

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