“Well, I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head; it didn’t hurt. And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad, so I had one more for dessert. Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes and found my cleanest dirty shirt. And I shaved my face and combed my hair and stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.” – Kris Kristofferson

By Dr Vusi Shongwe

WHEN political poverty, famine, and drought strike as dramatically as they have within the ANC—in proportions reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedies—love flies out of the window; dry bread begins to taste like biscuits, and in a scarcity of clean laundry, one reaches for the cleanest dirty shirt.

The onset of political poverty seemingly caused love to flee from the ANC, leading to the exodus of iconic leaders from Africa’s oldest liberation movement. With the subsequent political famine and drought, dry bread becomes appetising, and the least dirty shirts begin to appear “clean”. This raises an unavoidable question: in a political landscape plagued by a deficit of credible leadership, could Dr Zwelini Mkhize emerge as the best “cleanest dirty shirt” for the ANC presidency?

Let the debate begin

The United States recently witnessed Donald Trump’s rise despite facing four criminal indictments. To us on the so-called “Trump-alleged shithole” continent of Africa, he embodied the proverbial dry bread and cleanest dirty shirt amid political poverty. Similarly, in the context of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, could Mkhize be the ANC’s version of Trump among bureaucratically tested leaders?

This article seeks to shed light on who Mkhize is and whether he could realistically ascend to the ANC presidency.

With the next presidential election three years away, the political waters are murky. Yet, among current ANC leaders, Mkhize’s name stands out. Charismatic and strategic, he has the capacity to navigate South Africa’s political landscape. However, his charisma has sometimes been interpreted as a veneer that conceals a lack of substantial policy innovation during his tenure, with critics arguing that his approach can often be more reactive than proactive.

Despite criticisms, age is not an issue for Mkhize; he maintains his health remarkably well. Lest we forget, he is also a qualified medical doctor. However, his medical qualifications have not shielded him from scrutiny regarding his handling of health policies during the Covid-19 pandemic, where there were allegations of mismanagement and under-resourcing in critical areas.

Known as Khabazela, Mkhize has proven capable of managing crises. Leadership often requires reserves of strength, and Mkhize seems to possess them. Nevertheless, some claim that his crisis management has occasionally prioritised political gains over the well-being of constituents, casting doubt on the sincerity of his leadership.

His experience makes him a strong contender for the presidency. Moreover, he has the likeability to garner a national following, a crucial factor for any prospective leader. Yet, despite this popularity, his association with various controversies, including alleged corruption charges related to the Digital Vibes scandal, raises questions about whether this likeability is accompanied by trust from the electorate.

A leader of the people

Mkhize’s reputation as a principled leader precedes him. He is less an ideologue and more a servant of the people, articulating their needs and aspirations. However, detractors argue that this view overlooks his alignment with party lines, which sometimes leads to a compromise of the people’s needs for the sake of ANC unity.

Despite his unabashed loyalty to the ANC, Mkhize is willing to work across political lines. He has earned respect for his pragmatic approach and skilled listening, traits that enhance his ability to find balanced solutions. On the other hand, critics often point out that pragmatism can sometimes lead to a lack of firm commitment to progressive policies that are essential for true transformation.

Presidential material

By all measures, Mkhize has the qualities of a presidential candidate. He combines intellect, charisma, and political savvy, making him a respected figure within and beyond the ANC. However, this respect does not eradicate uncertainty about his ability to implement bold reforms necessary to tackle the systemic issues facing South Africa, such as corruption and inequality.

Mkhize is a repository of institutional knowledge, with an enviable memory and a deep understanding of the ANC. His colleagues commend his political insight and ability to address complex issues with clarity and determination. Yet, within the ranks of the ANC, some feel that this knowledge has not translated into effective grassroots action, leading to a disconnect with communities that feel underserved.

Whether in public speeches or private discussions, Mkhize leaves a lasting impression, embodying the qualities of a true statesman. His pragmatism and resilience have earned him admiration. Conversely, there are concerns that his statemanship leans too heavily on consensus-building that can render him indecisive during critical moments requiring decisive action.

Mkhize consistently puts the interests of the people above political affiliations. His calculated manoeuvring and strategic thinking underscore his status as a political genius. However, this strategic overlay can also lead to perceptions of opportunism, as some view his political manoeuvres as self-serving rather than genuinely beneficial for constituents.

Though he presents a stern image in his official roles, Mkhize’s private persona reveals a sense of humour and humility. He values collective effort and believes in empowering others, reflecting his commitment to the principles of leadership and teamwork. Yet, critics argue that empowering others without thoroughly addressing systemic issues can lead to a superficial sense of progress that fails to uplift those in need effectively.

A time for extraordinary leadership

As South Africa faces turbulent times, extraordinary leadership is needed to navigate these challenges. Mkhize’s ability to inspire confidence and belief in collective guidance positions him as a beacon of hope.

Henry Miller once wrote: “No one is great enough or wise enough for any of us to surrender our destiny to. The only way in which anyone can lead us is to restore to us the belief in our own guidance.” Mkhize embodies this philosophy, with the political and intellectual pedigree to lead South Africa forward.

As the ANC gears up for its next elective conference, Mkhize’s name resonates as a compelling option—a man whose leadership qualities, achievements, and vision make him a potential president South Africans can rally behind.

* Dr Vusi Shongwe works for the KZN Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. The contribution is written in his personal capacity. The views expressed here are his own.