But even with Bernard Membe as its candidate, the Tanzanian opposition would face an uphill task.
Although a commited veteran of the ANC, Mlangeni was no party apparatchik. He was outspoken against endemic corruption in government.
Sexist slandering has been used not just to describe Grace Mugabe, but to denigrate any women who aspire to political positions.
The value of women to political tickets in Ghana is being recognised as more women are contesting elections at various levels.
Mandela left at the right time in 1999, when the country still seemed in a healthy state, after which he consolidated his international reputation.