Frank - thanks for your valuable input. You hit the nail on the head with both posts.

The ANC is entering Mbeki time. And they don't like it. The so-called unification of the organisation seems to be failing, no matter what Zuma says or the NEC does. The ANC conference December 2007 had everyone taking notice and with such close scrutiny more people and members starting noticing what's been happening under their noses for so long.
The part you mentioned about ruling at all costs scares a lot of people. We know how Africa deals with their problems and the ANC are masters at this.
Vavi has been screaming and shouting about the new party just like the ANC was. He obviously didn't learn a thing. Despite the first non-chalant attitude towards COPE, the ANC lost a lot of active members. Hopefully this happening will also have an impact on the power COSATU has.

Interesting times and difficult to comment on as it seems that every single day something new pops up unexpectantly.

Can't wait for the ANC to get another slap in the face. The first being their ignorant attitude towards registering (or rather failure to register) for the Cape by-elections.

The political parties have a bit of time still to get ready for next year. Let's hope they put it to good use and sway the ignorant. Allan Boesak though joining COPE was a bitter pill for me to swallow. Who'll be next? McBride?