New report ahead of the ANC’s elective conference
ANC Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the race for the top spot in the party. This is according to findings from Markdata and African Response research. Ramaphosa is ahead of his contenders, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Lindiwe Sisulu. The results are from 16 focus groups conducted in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. Participants are ANC supporters who voted the party in 2014 national and 2016 local government elections.
The findings reveal that Ramaphosa is trusted to lead the party and the country because of his role in crafting the constitution of the country and his involvement in the Nation Union of Mine Workers. He is also viewed as capable, trustworthy and incorruptible due to the fact that he owns businesses. However, results also show that Ramaphosa has not been forgiven for his role in the Lonmin strike that led to the Marikana massacre in 2012.
Dr Nkosazana appears the closest contender to Ramaphosa. While she is considered efficient and brave, based on her previous roles as a cabinet minister and African Union leader, research participants view her association with President Jacob Zuma as problematic.
In the third position is Lindiwe Sisulu. She is regarded as competent based on her role as Housing minister. Her family’s role in the struggle against apartheid appear to count in her favour. But, participants do not see her as very well-known. Other candidates, Jeff Radebe, Baleka Mbethe, Zweli Mkhize and Matthews Phosa received the least attention from participants.
eNCA’s programme, The Race, unpacks the findings every Monday, while e.tv breaks down the findings from Sundays to Thursdays on eNews Direct. In November, results of standardised interviews with approximately 5000 South Africans around the country will be announced. Topics include preferred ANC leaders, provincial party politics, race relations, economic transformation.
Catch The Race every Monday at 3:30pm on eNCA on DStv (Channel 403), and the breakdown of the findings on e.tv from Sundays to Thursday on eNews Direct at 8PM. Visit www.eNCA.com to view this and past episodes.
