Zuma throwns down the gauntlet on detractors
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has slated his detractors who think they knew better about ANC policies and leadership, warning that the party must not be pushed too far.
Without mentioning any names, Zuma said all this criticism directed at leadership would eventually culminate in an angry revolt.
"They are talking about us in the wrong way ... We don't want to tell or remind people where they come from. They see us laughing and they think we don't get angry ... we got angry with the apartheid regime, very angry."
He was speaking at Nehawu's policy discussion meeting in Boksburg yesterday.
Zuma said the democracy he and other leaders fought for and ushered in a new era in which everyone wants to shape the nature of the country and determine everything else. "They give themselves the privilege position of knowing the policy and the quality of leadership more than us," he told delegates who applauded in agreement.
"We shaped and determined the nature and time of this revolution ... Now because of freedom, everyone wants to shape the nature and direction of this country."
Zuma questioned where were these "clever" people when he was fighting for what his detractors say they know better today.
Expelled ANC Youth League Julius president Julius Malema was among those that have criticised Zuma's leadership, comparing it to that of a dictator.
Zuma reiterated his call for workers to swell the ranks of the ANC, saying the revolution was at a crossroad where names were seen to be more important that the actual task at hand, such as addressing issues of inequality, poverty and unemployment.
He said the focus on individuals at elective conferences needed to be nipped in the bud and encouraged union members to go to Mangaung in December with that mindset.
Zuma's address gave particular focus to the ANC's draft policy on the second transition, which tackles long term problems that the organisation and the country faced.
The issue of transformation was one that needs urgent attention, as it was central to the development of the country, he said.
"We must debate what type of economy do we need ... there may be resources, but they are in the hands of a few. This is an issue we don't need to use slogans about.
"The structuring of the apartheid economy had remained intact, it doesn't allow for a higher inclusive growth," Zuma said.
The ANCYL has consistently called for the nationalisation of strategic sectors of the economy such as mines and banks, as being the only solution to an equal society.
Zuma has differed in this regard; saying nationalisation of mines was not government policy. - nhlabathih@sowetan.co.za
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Comments
CheeseBoy
Zuma throwns down the gauntlet on detractorseeehh sowetan, dont mean to nit pick but that headline is wrong. should read Zuma throws down the gauntlet on detractors
we know its cold so the fingers are frozen.
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CheeseBoy
eh zuma. we are tired of you and your lack of leadership, running this country like a spaza shop. it is us who are going to throw down the gauntlet on you. matter of fact your entire tenure as president of this country has been a massive gauntlet for youyou need to step down. post Mbeki this country has not seen much action in terms of aliviating poverty and job (REAL JOBS) creation. the e-toll saga, all that corruption haai maan just go already.
all you have managed to do is increase the size of your family and appoint even more corrupt thugs into power. we are enough. no more debates. we demand action now.
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Socrates
Yes Zuma, everyone has a right to shape the direction of the country especially when the leadership is poor and visionless...you seem to be stooges and listen to propaganda when your family is enriched at our expense, besides you were in the bushes (as a soldier)not negotiating, Mbeki and others were the negotiators. And when apartheid systems are still in place 18 into democracy who else to blame, you seem to have a narrow vision of the country as a president and that includes enriching yourself-building bunkers and your family first.Report Abuse
truthhurt
Zuma playing the emotional blackmail card again. after all his moonish, its a bit hard to smile and be patriotic with all this bull$hit going on.Report Abuse
oldlady5
Zuma, it is not you and a few selected "leaders" who shaped the revolution. It was the faceless masses of people who supported the struggle and who continued life under the apartheid regime while you were safely away in exile who shaped the revolution. It was the millions of families you are now cheating out of their rightful share of fre.edom, so I'd be very careful to throw down gauntlets if I were you.Report Abuse
Soco123
Zuma and the ANC do not own our Freedom, nor do they own the country. People are right to question the leadership of the ANC if they feel it is not what it should be. Policy making is not the sole responsibility of the ANC as there are millions of people who are not part of the ANC in this country and their voices should be heared and respected because we are ALL citizens of this country. ANC is an ELECTED party put in power to serve the people, not the other way around. Being in that position of power does not mean you should manipulate, abuse and bully the very people who put you there.Report Abuse
Papage
Why are you addressing Labour movements, Where is the minister of labour? Dont be angry, just do your work and people will shut up.Report Abuse
Charley4sure
Again Dr Zuma, you never seize to amaze me. Please remember thatthe struggle was not fought to protect people like you but to free
everyone from mental slavery. As long as you are a public figure you are
bound to criticism, just like Tata said “No one is beyond criticism”.
Now you are trying to act as messiah to hell with.
You are failing the country there’s no doubt about that and the best thing
you can do is to step down. Before Polokwane our GDP was at 5-6%
now 2- 3%. Ofcourse the was inflation and things like that but countries
like Nigeria are doing well at 7% and it is likely that by 2016 they
might become Africa’s power house. You are an embarrassment to
Africa and yourself. You can buy a rope and hand thy self and your
niece.
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mambaaai
oldlady5Zuma, it is not you and a few selected "leaders" who shaped the revolution. It was the faceless masses of people who supported the struggle and who continued life under the apartheid regime while you were safely away in exile who shaped the revolution. It was the millions of families you are now cheating out of their rightful share of fre.edom, so I'd be very careful to throw down gauntlets if I were you.
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The wise thing would be to listen to what the detractors are saying ....and simply fix them. Because if they are fixed there is nothing to say.....as evrything would be perfect... but fragile ego just promotes in fighting....and an internal/ eternal struggle for the struggle party
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breaking
Why stupid Zuma i can't fire Bheki Cele.KZN ANC PEC will be divided.
Cele know his dirty secrecy.
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