Could Cyril Ramaphosa be South Africa's next president?

Cyril Ramaphosa Photo © Eric Miller/World Economic Forum Africa Summit, Cape Town 2005

An article crept into today's press with all the significance of the breeze that heralds the eventual arrival of a hurricane.

News24 reported that Cyril Ramaphosa has entered the race for the ANC presidency.

Many South Africans have shuddered at the thought of a populist president such as Jacob Zuma. One who believes that a woman wearing a skirt is sending a sexual invitation and who regularly sings a song entitled "Bring Me My Machine Gun."

I have often wondered whether South Africa could attract someone into politics who has every opportunity to achieve in another arena such as business. Ramaphosa is such a person, and his business interests in the form of Shanduka are exceptionallysuccessfull. I wondered if he might ever yearn for a legacy beyond wealth and look to lead the country. It seems that he has.

UPDATE: It seems that he hasn't. Damn.