Champion of the people, whisky-drinking fat cat, or savvy politician? We take a look at the man who is increasingly becoming the face of Shikota — Mbhazima (Sam) Shilowa.

Quick facts:

• Born: 30 April 1958, in rural Limpopo.
• Education: matriculated from Akani High School in 1978.
• Married: to businesswoman Wendy Luhabe.
• Cut his political teeth: as vice-president and later president of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union.
• Made his mark: as a founder and later general secretary of the trade union Cosatu.
• Reinvented himself: as premier of Gauteng from 1999 to 2008.
• Scandal: refused to acknowledge paternity of a son, Nhlamulo Shilowa, from a previous customary marriage to Caroline Rikhotso. Following court action, Shilowa now pays maintenance to cover the 20-year-old's tertiary education.

Weighing up the man

Mbhazima Shilowa is something of a political anomaly — a fierce trade unionist who, at the discretion of a president, managed a smooth transition from a rough-edged workers' champion to a smart-suited, savvy politician.

What is perhaps more surprising is that, in both roles, he was successful. And it is this apparent ability to succeed, more than anything else, which should concern the ruling party.

That, and the fact that he knows what it takes to kick-start a movement. He should; he's been there before.

"If you are going to form a political party, there's no short cut. It's a hard slog. It's important that no one has any illusions. It's not going to be a walk in the park. But, once an organiser, always an organiser."

Unlike Mbeki, Shilowa actually provides a credible alternative to Zuma because (regardless of Cosatu's recent barrage of insults) he has a proven history of broad-based appeal. His recent attempts to embrace 'all' South Africans (yes, even the white ones) has only improved his reputation as a non-partisan leader.

Furthermore, he trumps Zuma in the wife department. Sure, Zuma may have numbers of his side, but Wendy Luhabe's business clout can only work in Shilowa's favour.

To his credit, Shilowa's tenure as premier has been free of scandal and, as yet, there have been no indications of nepotism.

In fact, the harshest criticisms that have been thrown his way are that he likes drinking whisky and has 'elastic ambitions'.

Whisky-drinking and cigar-smoking, while generally the preserve of the wealthy, are by no means the character smears that the alliance partners would have us believe. Neither are good suits and a taste for fine food if said items are acquired through just means and not at the expense of the people.

And, as for 'elastic ambitions' — any politician who denies the elasticity of their ambitions, is being flexible with the truth.

If elasticity means something fresh for South African politics; if it means greater public participation; if it means a challenge to the status quo; then bring on the lycra!

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