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ANC leadership to speak to South Africa over Zuma no confidence debate

Picture credit: KEVIN SUTHERLAND
Picture credit: KEVIN SUTHERLAND

The African National Congress will this afternoon update South Africans on the meeting of its national executive committee stretching from the weekend to last night‚ at which senior leaders nearly came to blows and the knives came out for those who questioned President Jacob Zuma’s fitness to hold office.

The Times Media Group’s political teams learned last night that some senior anti-Zuma NEC members were told to leave the meeting and that former national police commissioner Bheki Cele and former police minister Nathi Mthwetwa‚ who are in Zuma’s cabinet in other positions‚ nearly exchanged blows at the meeting on Sunday.

Pro- and anti-Zuma ANC members differed strongly on the motion of no confidence in Zuma proposed by Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom.

One source said that among senior ANC members who were told by others to resign from the cabinet and parliament were Hanekom‚ Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi‚ Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor‚ Minister of Public Works Thulas Nxesi‚ ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

ANC officials will brief the country from 2pm.

Commentators on social media platforms believed Zuma had strengthened his position within the ANC‚ and voiced concern for the leaders who had challenged him.

Vusi Khomo @KhomoVusumuzi commented: “The #ANCNEC has once again proven that Zuma is more important then the South Africa citizens. They have no one to blame come 2019” while Simlindile Mafuduka ?@viamafuduka said “If JZ survives‚ I will conclude that he is way bigger than the ANC“.

“I think the debate we should be having is‚ will Zuma stand in for 3rd term?‚” said Mojalefa Ramohloa @jakesbantwini.

“The worst thing you can do is to underestimate Zuma. I think those who were hoping to remove him have learnt that‚” Phakamile Hlubi ?@phakxx tweeted.

Be happy ?@PamHlehle shared “I’m sorry @MyANC‚ but it seems you made your decision for the loss in 2019“.

Ritchie ?@ritchardie spared a thought for Hanekom and others‚ sharing “#ANCNEC Credit goes to Ministers that still have ANC principles in heart. Victory is certain comrades“.

Political analyst Judith February ?@judith–february charged: “#ANCNEC the idea that those opposed to Zuma should resign is reckless. Would be handing the country to more of Zuma’s corrupt cronies.”

 

 

 

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