Under normal circumstances the party should be above any one member, but some individuals remain indispensable. This involves the politics of personalities, whereby some members are perceived to command huge support.

This scenario is often the case with dictators who surround themselves with stooges who'll abide by their illogical demands, narcissism, histrionics and delusions of grandeur. The ANC does not have a transparent and well-developed nomination process. Nominees do not have to demonstrate leadership skills, intellect or knowledge of world politics - they just have to make themselves available.

Without a more sophisticated system, it's easy for a candidate to be chosen simply on the strength of the "favours" he will afford to those delegates who voted for him.

SA has experienced a large number of service-delivery protests since Zuma became the president.

In almost every sphere, the country is sliding down international rankings.

This reduces the number of investors who are willing to bank on the country.

The sheer number of strikes - especially in the mining sector, the life blood of the country's economy - are disturbing.

Both health and education have been compromised for the sake of political expedience and corruption.

Inequality, secrecy and incompetence have become the order of the day .

For all these problems, there is no accountability in government and ANC officials are unable to develop creative solutions to them.

Sadly, most citizens have invested their future in the party despite its failure to deliver because its priority is to amass wealth for individual members.

Citizens need to decide whether Zuma is more important than the party.

Adopting the "Anyone But Zuma" attitude could lead to more disaster for the country.

Not anyone will do: we need a leader who is worthy.

However, all Zuma has done during his first term is enrich himself and his family.

Unemployment, exacerbated by retrenchments, continues to rise despite the president's promise some time back that his government would create 500000 new jobs a year.

With the nomination of candidates for the post of ANC president now, members need to bear in mind that it is the country that matters most.