11 August 2023
There are broadly two ideas concerning the relationship between Gwede Mantashe and Cyril Ramaphosa.
Some observers are keen to stress their closeness. They point to a shared history in the National Union of Mineworkers and extended personal interactions ever since.
Others argue that the two may have been close in the past, but that they are now at loggerheads over energy policy. In particular, Mantashe has been portrayed as a “coal fundamentalist”, and Ramaphosa as an enlightened renewables advocate.
Given the thespian capabilities of both men, I do not think evidence that they shout at each other in Union Building corridors can help us to judge the nature of their current relationship.
The fact that President Ramaphosa chose DME minister Mantashe for his current role — and not for any other — may suggest that Mantashe’s combative approach enjoys the tacit support of his principal.
In addition, photographs of the public interactions of politicians can be deeply illuminating. (Yes, I accept they can sometimes mislead.)
I think most of pictures of CR and GM suggest that the two men may fight, but that they are still brothers.
This judgement makes a significant difference to how government energy policy — and the future leadership dynamics of the ANC — should be interpreted.
Anthony
Practical Reason 