×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Zuma appeals to members to refrain from discussing succession process

South African President Jacob Zuma greets supporters at a rally to commemorate the 105th birthday of his ruling African National Congress (ANC), in Soweto, South Africa, January 8, 2017. REUTERS/James Oatway
South African President Jacob Zuma greets supporters at a rally to commemorate the 105th birthday of his ruling African National Congress (ANC), in Soweto, South Africa, January 8, 2017. REUTERS/James Oatway

President Jacob Zuma says people should refrain from discussing the ANC’s succession process.

Zuma made the comments when he made a surprise appearance at the party’s 105th anniversary celebrations in KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast on Sunday.

He emphasised that it was not his intention to address the crowd but to just attend the event as he was in the area attending the funeral of a relative.

Zuma said there were people obsessed with positions‚ and “we know the reason why”.

“We want this to be discussed during the policy conference in June. Let’s refrain from discussing succession. That time will come. We’re not saying people shouldn’t express themselves‚ this is a democracy. But how you express yourself tells what kind of a leader you are. There are leaders who unite and leaders who sow division because there are different kinds of leaders‚” he said.

He emphasised the issue of unity‚ and said it was imperative for the party’s members to be more united.

The KwaDukuza recreational grounds was filled with thousands of ANC supporters who braved the scorching heat to join in the celebration.

Also present were ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize‚ Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba‚ Deputy Minister of Agriculture‚ Forestry and Fisheries Bheki Cele‚ Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa and former KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu.

Mkhize called on South Africans to fight against factional tendencies and divisions.

Mkhize said when they go to the next conference there is no faction that can win in the conference and then win the election for the ANC.

“The conference must be won by the ANC. As young people you must refuse to be drawn into factionalism. When we say something you must ask us how is that going to unite the ANC. And never agree to be recruited into factions.

“We depend on you as young people of taking over the leadership of the party in a way President Oliver Tambo did. He started when he was young. The issue of unity when we appeal to the spirits of Oliver Tambo is the message that we send to you. Let us deal with unity and make the ANC very strong. Let us fight against factional tendencies‚ fight against divisions. All the problems we have in the country arise particularly from that. The ANC was formed to unite all the people of SA. It cannot be you and me who divides the ANC‚” said Mkhize.

The party’s provincial chairperson‚ Sihle Zikalala‚ said it was the party’s firm conviction that the 54th national conference will produce a strong and united leadership to lead a third decade of freedom.

“The ANC was established to unite and lead SA to freedom. It was not established to serve personal gain‚” said Zikalala.

Zikalala said they will take back the provinces they lost in the last local government election.

He also called on South Africans to fight racism and called for a speedy process to criminalise racists.

Zikalala said the Expropriation Bill must be finalised into law.

“At least 70% of land must be expropriated into the ownership of the state‚” he said.

On Saturday Mkhize and Zikalala paid homage to ANC stalwarts‚ Chief Albert Luthuli and General Justice Maqina “Gizenga” Mpanza by visiting their homes before laying wreaths at their graves.

TMG Digital/The Times

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.