Astute political observers have noted that the Free State, North-West and Mpumulanga provinces have been governed by the leading members of the Radical Economic Transformation faction of the ANC erstwhile ruled by Ace Mageshule, Supra Mahumapelo and D.D. Mazuba. Whilst the latter has joined forces with Cyril’s ANC to become Deputy President, the former two Premiers stand with Zuma. The parties within these provinces remain divided as the battle for the soul of the ANC continues apace. The possibility of factional politics exacerbating genuine service delivery protests therefore cannot be discarded.
