It is just a few days before the ANC's national general council meets to look at the progress the party has made and, above all, to propose changes to its policies. The meeting makes it possible for ordinary South Africans to engage with the party and debate those aspects of government that have a major and direct impact on their lives. It gives us all the opportunity to consider what the future holds for this country under the ANC.However, if truth be told, all of the above will probably play second fiddle - party members invariably use the occasion to deal with much more important matters, such as settling old scores.The shadow of leadership looms larger today than when, in Mangaung almost three years ago, the party elected Jacob Zuma for a second term as its and the nation's president.Today, the talk in the party and across the ANC-led tripartite alliance is dominated by leadership succession.Whoever leads the party and the country after Zuma will have difficulty taking us forward.Instead of debating policy at the meeting, we expect lobby groups to hold their own conferences on the sidelines at which they will consider how best to advance their narrow and selfish politics, and who is likely to give them the best deal.South Africans have a duty to demand quality leadership from the ANC.This country cannot allow itself to be used and abused by politicians who, by hook or by crook, are intent on feathering their nests and fattening their bank balances.It would be a grave mistake if the ANC allowed this week's meeting to be engulfed by debates on the leadership race.With ANC alliance partners Cosatu and the SACP facing their own demons, it is going to be a big challenge to emerge from the conference with a coherent policy direction.It remains to be seen whether the ANC will rise to the challenge. The portents are not good...