By Peroshni Govender
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s President
Jacob Zuma is the favourite to win a second term to lead the ruling ANC in a race dominated by factional politics instead of
policy reforms for Africa’s most powerful economy.
More than a dozen
insiders in the ruling African National Congress told Reuters that Zuma had the race in hand even though there are strong
factions in the party who want him out and could make things difficult.
“It’s Zuma’s race to lose,” said one senior
ANC member.
The winner of December’s party vote is almost certain to be its nominee in the 2014 presidential
election. Since the ANC enjoys virtual one-party rule, its nominee is almost assured of winning the five year term as
president.
The race will be fought at the local level with little attention paid to warnings from all three of the
major global credit ratings agencies who have said the economy is on the wrong track under Zuma, posing long-term risks to
stability.
The battle to lead the 100-year-old ANC according to party insiders is a two-horse race between Zuma and
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Zuma has a commanding lead in delegates and unless Motlanthe make huge strides by
the electoral conference in December, Zuma should secure victory.
Motlanthe, or any other candidate, is not going to
openly declare their challenge to Zuma due to a party culture where raising one’s hand too early is tantamount to political
suicide.