Dear Deputy President

I trust that you are well.

I am writing directly to you and to Omega's influential client-base in the knowledge that most of our clients support this appeal to you. And in writing to you I am respectfully assuming three things: firstly, that our country is in a bigger mess than most of us realise; secondly that we need every bit of competence available to us; and thirdly that Cyril Ramaphosa could make a difference to the present administration. And specifically what prompts this letter is the report in yesterday's Sunday Times under the heading “Motlanthe side-lined by Zuma”. The report goes on to mention important situations and decisions on which you have not been consulted or informed which as Deputy President you are entitled to be.

However accurate this observation may be, the fact is that when you lost to President [Jacob] Zuma in Manguang and Cyril Ramaphosa was nominated to succeed you, you became what the Americans call "a lame duck".  And this is not something you deserve. But it was inevitable, given the nature of politics, and certainly doesn't reflect on your personality, your capabilities, and the respect and affection many South Africans have for you.  Increasingly, as we approach the next election, when you will be required constitutionally to stand down, your relevance in your present political position will unfortunately but inevitably fade. Meanwhile, your elected successor Cyril Ramaphosa – a person of enormous charisma in our public life with huge support within the ANC and in the country – is losing that charisma by the week.

Ideally, of course, it would have been best for the country if Cyril had assumed the position of Deputy President immediately after the ANC conference so as to take advantage of the excitement and expectation which accompanied his election. Remember,  Gwede Mantashe’s statement immediately after Ramaphosa’s election that he would be Prime Minister to Jacob Zuma's presidency. Mantashe meant that.  It is possible of course that persons within the ANC felt that it would be indecent to ask you to make way immediately for your friend Cyril. However, something of the excitement and expectation surrounding Cyril’s election may still be generated were you to stand down in a dignified way at this stage and assume the strategic and important position in which you have chosen to serve the ANC.

Wishing you well

Yours respectfully

Dr Denis Worrall