Analysts say the shooting could signal internal resistance to his presidential ambitions ahead of 2027.
While political experts feel Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy shooting is difficult to assess, they share the view that there are many who want him out and not become the next president.
They said the alleged attack on his VIP convoy could be an omen of things to come as part of the ANC succession campaign before the 2027 elective conference.
Mashatile’s attack
The attack on Mashatile’s convoy on the N12 highway on his way from an ANC meeting in Boksburg almost three weeks ago bordered on a threat to state security.
Sandile Swana, an independent analyst, said Mashatile was not short of people who wish he should not succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mashatile escaped uninjured, but his vehicles were riddled with bullets.
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Speculations swirl
There was even a suggestion of a stunt by Mashatile to get sympathy in the run-up to the conference, if it wasn’t a genuine attack to scare him from running for the presidency.
Swana and political economy analyst Daniel Silke said the attack raised security concerns around Mashatile.
Swana said it was even more concerning that it followed soon after former president Jacob Zuma claimed to have experienced a security threat, which the police dismissed.
‘Many don’t want Mashatile to succeed Ramaphosa’
“Mashatile could profile himself as a victim – that there are people in the ANC and the country who don’t want him to succeed Ramaphosa. As to whether any attempt on his life was made is another matter,” Swana said.
Independent political commentator Pule Monama questioned the silence of Ramaphosa and the ANC on the apparent attempt on Mashatile’s life.
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