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Women set for political supremacy in 21st Century - By: James N. Kariuki

Going by current indications, the 21st Century will witness women rise to powerful positions around the world. So far, Asia has done comparatively well, and signs are that women will continue to be effective power brokers in that continent.

This is interesting given how tradition-bound the continent is, where women appear to be oppressed.

But the rest of the world is catching up. Argentina' Christine de Kirchner is bent on succeeding her husband as the next president.

US former first lady, Hillary Clinton, is the Democratic Party's forerunner for the presidency and a formidable contender.

Africa too is in the chase. Liberia made history when a woman, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, was democratically elected president in 2005. In South Africa, a woman, Deputy President Mlambo-Ncuka, is a heartbeat away from the presidency. But Mlambo-Ncuka has no presidential ambitions. She accepted President Thabo Mbeki's offer to be a 'caretaker' Deputy President on a temporary basis.

Curiously, this position was first offered to the Foreign Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. But she turned it down with the reason that her ex-husband, Jacob Zuma, had just been dismissed from the same post in controversial circumstances.

Looking at every consideration, it would have been unprincipled and inappropriate of her to accept the position.

But destiny seems to have conspired to keep Dlamini-Zuma's name alive as a potential next president. At times, merit and circumstances must have their say.

Soon after he dismissed Jacob Zuma, President Mbeki announced publicly that he wanted a woman to succeed him. Detractors interpreted this as a scheme to exclude Zuma from the presidential race. The timing of the announcement was ill-considered but Mbeki's support for women is genuine and passionate.

The fact that Dlamini-Zuma, a woman, was Mbeki's first choice of Deputy President will not go unnoticed.

Further, post-apartheid South Africa is sympathetic to the issue of gender parity, probably because of the role women played in the freedom struggle.

When the ruling party, the African National Congress, holds its national conference in December, the question of 50 per cent gender quota must be addressed. This has created a favourable atmosphere for women, and for the prize, Dlamini-Zuma is the forerunner.

But there are those who believe Jacob Zuma's political problems were manufactured by his foes to exclude a Zulu from the presidency. Perhaps Zuma himself believes this, and to the detriment of his party and country, is prepared to fight to the bitter end.

Dlamini-Zuma's candidacy would effectively defuse these ethnic claims by Zuma's camp. Since the ANC is unlikely to allow the two Zumas in the race, bowing out for a former wife may not be such a bad political exit. After all, chivalry comes in many forms.

Dlamini-Zuma's detractors claim that her abrasiveness, mood swings and 'poor colleagueship' do not make her presidential material. But these allegations are outweighed by the credible support she has from other quarters.

The incumbent head of the powerful ANC's Women League has stated that there should be a woman president. Her famous predecessor, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has followed up by publicly endorsing Dlamini-Zuma's candidacy.

The views of the defiant ANC Youth League have fortified her candidacy further. "We respect her as a senior leader of our movement. And she is principled."

Dlamini-Zuma may walk into the South African presidency because she satisfies the largest number. Her candidacy fulfils the dream of gender enthusiasts, including Mbeki's longing for a woman successor. It also paves the way for Jacob Zuma and his supporters to walk away gracefully since it takes care of the ethnic factor.

Most importantly, it would serve the ANC well since Dlamini-Zuma is reputed to be a unifier, which is what the organisation needs.

On a broader scale, global Africa could gain from a critical mass of kinder and gentler female leaders.

Going by current indications, the 21st Century will witness women rise to powerful positions around the world. So far, Asia has done comparatively well, and signs are that women will continue to be effective power brokers in that continent.

About The Author: James N. Kariuki - is head of the African Diaspora Unit at the Africa Institute of South Africa in Pretoria.

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