WORLDVIEW: Insider – Ramaphosa, NDZ have made a deal to share power

I have a high regard for Frans Cronje, the man who leads those hardy and courageous souls at the IRR. As his livelihood depends on blocking out the noise and getting to the nub of South Africa's chaotic political scene, we should all take Frans's insights very seriously. Especially if they conflict with the common narrative.

Last week the IRR chief visited Cape Town where our political correspondent Donwald Pressly buttonholed him. What transpired was a cold shower for those confident the #GuptaLeaks emails will destroy SA president Jacob Zuma's network of patronage and corruption.

Crucially, Cronje reckons behind the headlines a deal has already been struck between Zuma's deputy Cyril Ramaphosa and the ex-Mrs Zuma. This involved expanding the Top Six to a Top Nine – and creating a balance of power between them to stop the escalating ANC conflict over its internal presidential race. My view: If ever SA needed its own Emmanuel Macron, now's the time.

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