Here is why CR17 is not ahead in ANC leadership race

In a matter of weeks, the African National Congress (ANC) will elect its fourteenth president. Depending on who or what section of the media one believes, it is either Cyril Ramaohosa (CR17 to his supporters) or Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (NDZ) who is, as they say, ‘miles ahead’. This is not surprising at all, given the fact that a leadership contest is not a leadership contest if the dominant factions do not adopt a system of propaganda as part of their overall strategy. The system of propaganda is about convincing opponents and those who are undecided that they are on the losing side. Better still, they must be able to co-opt some sections of the media and political commentators into their way of thinking and they, in turn, must convince readers, listeners and viewers that their candidate cannot lose and his or her opponent cannot win.