Here is a person who, ahead of the ANC 2007 elective conference in Polokwane, was very vocal against people who wanted to cling to power for more than two terms in a party with many capable members.

He rightly cried foul about individuals who overstayed their welcome in power.

Since the constitutions of the ANC and the SACP are silent on the number of terms a member can hold office, it would be unfair to accuse Nzimande of overstaying his term in office.

However, I find it noteworthy that no one in the SACP had the guts to contest Nzimande's position or vie for any of the other top positions.

With the exception of the chairman and treasurer, the status quo remained and it was driven centrally by Nzimande and his inner circle.

Nzimande has consolidated his power within the party to such an extent that his backers' plan to have two deputy general secretaries came to see the light of day.

There is no denying that Nzimande's grip on power in the SACP is total - you are either with him or against him. His voice has become the voice of the party. He determines its position on issues.

The stage was set for him to retain the reins and the well-choreographed proceedings at the elective conference allowed him to appear stronger than ever.

Nzimande's dominance augurs well for President Jacob Zuma, who hopes to be elected for a second term as ANC president at the Mangaung conference.

With Nzimande and his hold on the SACP, the president can count on at least one alliance partner to back him publicly, while most ANC members will stay quiet lest they be accused of disregarding party rules.

Nzimande wears more than one political hat with authority.