PRESIDENT GORDHAN

President Gordhan! That has a nice ring to it. Although it may seem rather far-fetched, the tide will eventually turn against Jacob Zuma within the ANC itself.  I predict that the most respected, upright and credible member of the ANC's NEC, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, will be elected President of the ANC and of South Africa. 

Let's look at some of the rationale for my prediction:

1. Pravin Gordon's credibility is unquestionable, except by those duped by the Hawks pathetic attempts to harass him. In fact, the head of Hawks, Mthandazo Ntlemeza, was found by a judge to have lied under oath. It is thus apparent that the Hawks are being abused for political purposes. 
2. Knowing him as an activist in the DHAC and other civic bodies in the 70's and 80's, he exhibited true leadership qualities at that stage. He was an organiser par excellence, selfless, ultra-efficient and effective, a hard worker and he possessed a rajor-sharp intellect. He has maintained these qualities throughout his anti-apartheid activism and in his various roles in government.
3. He completely transformed SARS into the most efficient Revenue Collection Department SA ever experienced. Under his leadership, SARS constantly exceeded revenue estimates and collected record revenues. It's a great tragedy that the current Commissioner is reversing many of the key measures Pravin introduced - this with the full backing of his benefactor, Number 1.
4. In his first stint as Finance Minister, Pravin again excelled and maintained Treasury's independence and integrity. He had no intention to slavishly follow the dictates of Jacob Zuma and ensured strict fiscal discipline and controls to prevent wasteful expenditure. He did not give in to Zuma's acolytes in various state-owned entriprises such as SAA, Escom, Prasa, etc. who were running those institutions to the ground. That's why he was not reappointed FM. 
5. Zuma had no option but to bring Pravin Gordhan back as FM after the horrendous debacle resulting from the untested, ill-equipped, unknown Des Van Rooyen's ill-advised appointment as FM to replace the respected Nene. Since then, Zuma has surreptitiously used every trick in the book to remove Pravin as FM. The unwarranted, damaging (to SA) and vicious vendetta by the Hawks, non-entities such as Jesse Duarte and 4-day wonder Des Van Rooyen, the discredited ANC Women's League, and others, on Pravin demonstrates the gross double-standards they practice. Here we have the most credible leader in the ANC being viciously attacked on all fronts, yet they bow down in obeisance, grovelling at the feet of their master, who came into the Presidency with 783 charges of corruption hanging over his head. He has done everything in his power to avoid his day in court. The latest court ruling may ensure that day arrives.
6. Pravin Gordhan is the only leader in the ANC who has demonstrated his preparedness to stand up against Zuma when the interests of the country are at stake. He has continued to defy Zuma's friends, including Ms Myeni of SAA fame, the infamous Gupta's, and others, knowing full well he will incur the wrath of Number 1.
7. A President Gordhan will be the best thing that can ever happen to our beautiful country. South Africa's credit rating will probably rise instantly. He will work tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of all the people of SA. Economic growth will accelerate, a new hope will arise among all our in our country, and our international stature will rise exponentially. All Cabinet and other key appointments will be on merit only.
8. The one good thing to emerge amidst all the gloom is that, after they held a meeting, the ANC's NWC (comprising the top ANC leaders, including the top 6), and the ANC itself, expressed unreserved support for the Finance Minister. Zuma, of course, was absent. ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe says Gordhan has their full support. The statement reads: “The ANC reaffirms its unreserved confidence in the Finance Minister, Comrade Pravin Gordhan, and the work of the National Treasury.” The ANC also expressed concern regarding the Hawks conduct and said their investigation of Gordhan was humiliating. In spite of a few negative voices, Pravin does enjoy widespread support within the NEC and ANC branches. Is this the beginning of the turning of the tide? 

I can go on and on. Weigh all the above against the current incumbent, who has done more to ensure his and his family's selfish and self-centered personal enrichment rather than taking care of the millions of poor and unemployed in our country. 

A future President Gordhan will have the unreserved support and backing of all thinking South Africans.