am suprised she didn't nominate herself 
Winnie wants to see a woman at the helm
By Moshoeshoe Monare
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has ruffled feathers in the African National Congress's succession race by supporting Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to become the next president.
The controversial former ANC Women's League (ANCWL) president stunned guests at her 70th birthday party on Sunday by openly saying she would lobby women to support Dlamini-Zuma to become the first female president.
However, Madikizela-Mandela on Wednesday said her comments had nothing to do with the ruling party's muddy succession battle.
"The comments are in no way an engagement in the succession debate, but are a reflection of her support for women in politics," Madikizela-Mandela said through a close associate, who did not want to be named.
Interestingly, she chose Dlamini-Zuma over Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the most senior woman leader in the ANC government.
During her address in Midrand on Sunday, Madikizela-Mandela forgot to mention Dlamini-Zuma when she introduced the "distinguished guests", but eulogised about the foreign minister towards the end of the speech, punctuating her remarks with the explosive succession issue.
Although Madikizela-Mandela no longer occupies a powerful position in any ANC structures, she is still considered to be influential.
One of the guests said most senior ANC leaders, such as Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad and Dlamini-Zuma's former husband, presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma, were taken aback by Madikizela-Mandela's comments.
"It took all of us by surprise. She said something that has (now) become taboo in the organisation," said one of the guests, who declined to be named due "to the sensitivity of the matter in the organisation".
Pahad did not return messages left with his aide, while Zuma was not available for comment.
The ANC's chief spokesperson, Smuts Ngonyama, said he did not know anything about Madikizela-Mandela's comments.
Mavivi Mayakayaka-Manzini, the deputy president of the ANCWL, refused to "be engaged" on Madikizela-Mandela's comments but said her organisation had discussed the principles of succession.
Dlamini-Zuma was reportedly the first to be contacted by ANC president Thabo Mbeki to replace Zuma in 2005, but declined, apparently due to family considerations.
However, Dlamini-Zuma denied this months later.
The ANC will choose its next president in December.
Winnie wants to see a woman at the helm
By Moshoeshoe Monare
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has ruffled feathers in the African National Congress's succession race by supporting Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to become the next president.
The controversial former ANC Women's League (ANCWL) president stunned guests at her 70th birthday party on Sunday by openly saying she would lobby women to support Dlamini-Zuma to become the first female president.
However, Madikizela-Mandela on Wednesday said her comments had nothing to do with the ruling party's muddy succession battle.
"The comments are in no way an engagement in the succession debate, but are a reflection of her support for women in politics," Madikizela-Mandela said through a close associate, who did not want to be named.
Interestingly, she chose Dlamini-Zuma over Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the most senior woman leader in the ANC government.
During her address in Midrand on Sunday, Madikizela-Mandela forgot to mention Dlamini-Zuma when she introduced the "distinguished guests", but eulogised about the foreign minister towards the end of the speech, punctuating her remarks with the explosive succession issue.
Although Madikizela-Mandela no longer occupies a powerful position in any ANC structures, she is still considered to be influential.
One of the guests said most senior ANC leaders, such as Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad and Dlamini-Zuma's former husband, presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma, were taken aback by Madikizela-Mandela's comments.
"It took all of us by surprise. She said something that has (now) become taboo in the organisation," said one of the guests, who declined to be named due "to the sensitivity of the matter in the organisation".
Pahad did not return messages left with his aide, while Zuma was not available for comment.
The ANC's chief spokesperson, Smuts Ngonyama, said he did not know anything about Madikizela-Mandela's comments.
Mavivi Mayakayaka-Manzini, the deputy president of the ANCWL, refused to "be engaged" on Madikizela-Mandela's comments but said her organisation had discussed the principles of succession.
Dlamini-Zuma was reportedly the first to be contacted by ANC president Thabo Mbeki to replace Zuma in 2005, but declined, apparently due to family considerations.
However, Dlamini-Zuma denied this months later.
The ANC will choose its next president in December.
