Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma would meet Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini at his Nyokeni Royal Palace today before going to Limpopo this weekend.

Zuma, who is currently a firm favourite to win the race for ANC president, wants to get "blessings and advice" from Zwelithini.

President Thabo Mbeki and Zuma are involved in a bitter battle for the presidency of the ANC. Recent polls show Zuma to be in lead for the top position within the party and country.

Organiser, Siza Ngcobo, said the meeting had nothing to do with politics as Zwelithini was above party-politics.

"It is merely a traditional and customary thing to do where the king, as the father of all people, would bless Zuma as he would have done to anyone taking such a difficult route to Limpopo."

"We know that whatever the outcome of the conference, it will impact on us all as people of this country.

"Hence we decided to ask his majesty to give final blessings and advise Zuma, like a father would do to his son when he is joining a tertiary institution or going to a war."

Zwelithini's secretary, Nhlamvuyelanga Jobe said he had not been formally informed about the visit.

Zuma slaughtered cows and drank umqombothi (traditional Zulu beer) before his trip overseas two weeks ago.

Yesterday the Msholozi branch of the ANC in Nkandla organised an inter-denominational prayer service for Zuma.