Last year Xolela Mangcu took part in a radio debate with Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, and was attacked by the minister to the point of being called "a little boy".

In, Lekota's name mentioned as search for successor to Mbeki begins (January 24), the little boy is trying to influence the African National Congress (ANC) to nominate Lekota as president of SA.

What happened? Did the old man call his office to threaten him to a point that he is now paying a protection fee? Will Mangcu say something about the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, that is if someone is in the dock at all? Let us wait for Deputy President Jacob Zuma to get to court first that is if he will ever before we speculate about his guilt.

As is the tradition , the deputy president will ascend to the position of president of the ANC and SA.

With acknowledgements to John Motsepe and the Business Day.