Johannesburg

Sunday

Showers late. Afternoon clouds. Pleasantly warm.

15°C
29°C

7 day forecasts

ANC 'could break up'

2007-12-19 10:23

Cape Town - Those who argue that the controversial Jacob Zuma can rescue South Africa's poor are going to be sorely disappointed, says well-known author William Gumede.

Thabo Mbeki was humiliatingly toppled on Tuesday as the president of the ANC by rival Zuma, the man he fired two years ago as deputy president of the country.

Zuma received 60% of the votes compared to Mbeki's 39%.

Gumede - author of the book Thabo Mbeki and the Battle for the Soul of the ANC - writes in Wednesday's Guardian newspaper that Zuma has performed one of the most stunning comebacks in the country's history.

"For all the doubts that hang over Zuma's character, many argue that he offers a critical conduit for the poor's grievances. These people are going to be disappointed. The ragbag collection of groups that back Zuma ranges from socialists and trade unionists to supporters of virginity testing and the death penalty.

Good for democracy

"Dashed expectations may be the catalyst for a break-up of the ANC - a break-up which is debatably overdue and can only be good for democracy", says Gumede.

Zuma's greatest challenge will be to keep the deeply divided ANC together, while delivering on his promises to a disparate and expectant support base, he added.

"As if this were not enough, he will have to convince South Africa's anxious establishment - black and white - that his Lazarus-like rise does not herald the apocalypse. What is obvious from the fractious party conference is that Africa's oldest and most respected liberation movement is split into two camps."

Newly-elected ANC president Jacob Zuma is expected to address a media briefing on Wednesday morning. The tone he takes in coming days and months will be crucial in overcoming the deep divisions within the ANC.

While Mbeki has two years left as president, his authority has been badly undermined by the defeat. The question remains whether these two rivals will be able to work together in a meaningful way.

- News24


Mervyn. 12/19/2007 10:38:42 AM
When people don't have a choice of other candidates but only these two, I also would've voted for Zuma, as Mbeki is distant, cold and a denialist, please help the poor people now Zuma they've been disappointed so many times.

mimi 12/19/2007 10:47:15 AM
all i can say african national congress has lost my membership i will never vote again as long as jz is still the president of national congress

Abel 12/19/2007 10:50:35 AM
The fact that Zuma has a dubious and questionable moral character seems to have little bearing on members of the ANC that have put him into a leadership position. The question that begs to be answered is will Zuma continue with the democrative and free-market policies of the ANC? More im portantly, will he be able to sort out the issues that the current government has miserabley failed. Yes you guessed right, the out-of-control crime situation?

xbox 12/19/2007 10:51:20 AM
absolute madness for him to be voted as president, as far mas i'm concerned he should be in jail with Shaik, but then again that'll never happen, thats our justice system. He should not have been given the opportunity to run for presidency. Think whites, indians and coloureds should unite and vote for the white party. Down with the ANC!!!!

Mo K 12/19/2007 10:56:02 AM
I agree 100%, a split in the ANC to form a new party might actually be the best solution for our democracy. If you look at the trend of politics in Africa people allign to political parties which served a particular purpose in the past and at some pint you will have divisions once you achieve that purpose. The same is happening within the ANC and i feel that a split will ensure that the 60% that voted for Zuma have a party represents them and the 39% will have a party which represent its interes.

givenchy 12/19/2007 11:01:21 AM
we should not really worry coz zuma will be charged and found guilty.the logical thing then wuld be for monthlante to be the president and the return of joel.neither mbeki or zuma is fit to govern.i hope though that we do not see another small poltical party coming up.rather we have all the outcasts like ID,UDM,PAC,NADECO join hands and form another strong black political party which will be an alternative to the ANC......!

Shane Jacoby 12/19/2007 11:03:20 AM
After reading various articles so soon after the voting results, I thinks it's only fair to all South Africans that Zuma states clearly what his pilicies will be for the ANC. If he overcomes all odds to keep a divided camp together, we all know exactly what those consequences hold for us. After two years of prosecution, Jacob Zuma is still out there and has just won the battle for leadership within the ANC. Let's face it, with his lucky streak, his South Africa's next president. Then what...?

Ghalib Jonker 12/19/2007 11:08:01 AM
It is now expedient if not necessary for Mbeki to call off the dogs in the persecution of Zuma in the arms deal corruption saga. For one, continuing the prosecution (read persecution) may result in open revolt and the break up of the ANC. Moreover, it is also best considering the possibilities of a tit-for-tat investigation over the suden change in the "preferred bidder" after Mbeki's visit to Germany during which the Germans got the order to build SA's frigates. What goes around comes around.

JP Strauss 12/19/2007 11:08:46 AM
I mentioned a couple of months ago that the ANC will break apart, and it seems that this is now the case. Hopefully this will actually lead to better representation for all people. I hope the ANC splits down the middle, not because I want chaos, but because too much power ultimately corrupts. If we have the two new parties and the DA debating (and lobbing profanities at each other), we might just see some real progress being made.

Cebza 12/19/2007 11:09:35 AM
Shame all the prophets of doom have been proven wrong, and we will also prove this one wrong. All the proMbeki people must shut up and stip this negative speculation. Please spare us from these biased commentators or should I say misinformed political analysts. They ahve been wrong all along, why should we believe them now. Cebza

Mo 12/19/2007 11:14:03 AM
Like all doomsayers(maybe sangomas), Mervin Gumede couldn't wait for Zuma ascending to ANC presidency to speak the future. Please Mervin, do what you do best, just write books...

Tshepo Given Rasekgothoma, Pretoria 12/19/2007 11:15:33 AM
Looking at the new ANC leadership I do'nt see any problems in future. The people have spoken and that's what ex-President use to say. Our Country is a democtratic country and I fully support the top six Candidates. People must check our leaders profile before douting the new leadership. E.G. President Jacob Zuma was also prisoned at Robben Island for 10 Years, became Chairperson of ANC, MEC in KZN, uniting ANC and IFP in KZN, and he served the country for Six years as Deputy President of RSAs

Marcello 12/19/2007 11:17:48 AM
I believe Mbeki was kicked out by is on people.ANC members their know whats right and whats wrong lets accept that.Whats is left is the secret within the members to come out,maybe by than the organization will have peace.My hope is their must stay close to avoid any party to take chances.

GregM 12/19/2007 11:18:13 AM
If it is true that that Zuma was the "only alternate available" then it must be asked "why did the ANC (NEC) allow it?" Surely because that is the alternative they prefer

Jim 12/19/2007 11:20:54 AM
It may well be that this is the beginning of democracy in SA. The break-up of the ANC and its NNP lapdogs would lead to the people in SA being able to vote based on the issues of the day and not the legacy of the past. Apartheid is behind us, let transformation join it in history. Let us now build that "Better life for all". Hopefully the ANC will implode before the next election.

GregM 12/19/2007 11:21:14 AM
For the +/- 40% apparently looking for a new home. Apparently the PAC is looking for new members.

Vincent Nazo 12/19/2007 11:21:57 AM
Zuma is the President of the ANC not of the country. We'll give him our support as Leader of the ANC but also keeping a watchful eye on how he conducts himself between now and 2009.

Mojowa 12/19/2007 11:22:18 AM
I feel and would like to encourage the outgoing ANC leaders (Mbeki's people) to form their party, that will give a good challenge to the incoming leadership. It's either that or 80 percent of the country might end up not voting and thus giving the control of the country back to the wrong people. PLEASE GIVE US AN ALTERNATIVE - WE DO NOT WANT TO BE RULED BY THE YOUTH LEAGUE, COSAT AND THE SACP - PLEASE WE ARE BEGGING YOU!

Benzo 12/19/2007 11:24:31 AM
The "liberation movement" called ANC has achieved its goals and has ceased to be a movement. It is now a powerful political party in SA. Politics are about socio economics, education and other practical issues. SA is moving from a black versus white society to a poor versus rich society. The ANC cannot serve both like anywhere else in the world. A split should be the logical conclusion. But...then there are politics??

Jim (again) 12/19/2007 11:26:41 AM
Given the support that JZ has received from both COSATU and the SACP they will be expecting payback for their members. Once in power the reality of not being able to create drastic changes and eradicte poverty etc. will show through and these parties will again begin to bark at the feet of the (new) president. Can the ANC survive without the SACP and COSATU?

spijo 12/19/2007 11:27:44 AM
The Anc has decided that it wants Zuma as their leader, now why is everyone mostly non Anc members complaining about the choice made by the Anc. Everyone should join the Anc in order to influence the leadership they want but as long as people are not Anc members then they must respect the choice made by Anc members.

mzi 12/19/2007 11:29:02 AM
I am of the idea that a split will be the best option to undo the worst decision taken by ANC members in Limpopo.

ts 12/19/2007 11:29:24 AM
I still can't comprehand why people are fussing about the outcome. Zuma did not elevate himself but he was choosen. The people have spoken. I think this is good for the ANC as this prevent creating "dictactors". Why do African leaders want to cling to power. Which African leader is not guilty of corruption? The fact that they have not been exposed does not mean they are clean. JZ is innocent until proven otherwise. As it is now South Africa is bleeding from crime.

Sydney 12/19/2007 11:29:33 AM
Mbeki has dug a whole for himself,he should blame himself for this.Mbeki has lost touch with the ordinary South Africans who voted him to power.His is a denialist,autocratic and rules with an iron hand.He used State resources to ensure that JZ is out of the public domain.If you raise your concern on something you don't agree/concerned about,you are seen as one who is not working as a collective,The question is :when & where do we practice democracy,in heaven??? JZ is the right person.

Len 12/19/2007 11:29:45 AM
My concern is not that Zuma was voted in, rather than manner it was done. The behaviour of zuma supporters was deplorable in refusing others the right to be head. They are taking my vote for granted and I will show them by destroying my ballot, since there is really no viable opposition as long as Zille shoots from the hip and the rest is divided

2keys 12/19/2007 11:31:17 AM
datguy Jacob Zuma is sick let m just make one thing clear we coloureds will not accept u as our leader there will only b two leaders 4 us Mbeki and Madiba u cant even lead uself ,u jst minimise every risk by showering idiot!!!

Barry 12/19/2007 11:32:08 AM
Time for a split in the ANC. Will a new leader come forward and unite what is left of the ANC (Mbeki camp)IFP, DA, FF+ etc and will a leader of subtance stand up and unite ALL the people of this coutry and save us from ZUMA and the 100% Zulu's. Split the ANC and re-unite a new party representing ALL the people of this country. Will a real leader step forward please!! Zuma cannot appease business and the poor. We are headed for a slow and painful demise unless something radical is done. act now!

Spider Spike 12/19/2007 11:32:47 AM
I read the comments posted with amusement and wonder why people were surprised that JZ made it. He might be called all sorts of names...with all sorts of weaknesses but the truth hurts...he is an enviable and likeable politician if what happened in Polokwane is something we can call a democratic process. The only unfortunate bit about JZ is that everybody knows his dirty linen whilst very little is known or said about other senior ANC cadres. Food for thought!!! Where to democracy?

Bhekamambo 12/19/2007 11:35:47 AM
I hear people complaining and some are disgusted about the outcome in the Polokwane Conference.But I believe that neither of the two are clean to be president. People should accept & respect the outcome and hope it gonna work for the better of all South Africans. Complaining won't help us but will bring more frastration, lets work together and support those who will lead this country to the right direction.And ensure to improve the lives of the ordinary people.

Bhekamambo 12/19/2007 11:36:04 AM
I hear people complaining and some are disgusted about the outcome in the Polokwane Conference.But I believe that neither of the two are clean to be president. People should accept & respect the outcome and hope it gonna work for the better of all South Africans. Complaining won't help us but will bring more frastration, lets work together and support those who will lead this country to the right direction.And ensure to improve the lives of the ordinary people.

Ramirez 12/19/2007 11:36:17 AM
i think it's only good for the country and democracy if the ANC can be split into two. this country needs a strong black opposition party, and mbeki and his supporter can provide the opposition. the other thing to remenber is that, ANC does not represent 100% of the population. the fact that JZ has won does not really mean that whole country has voted for the him or the ANC. The test is yet to come.

s 12/19/2007 11:39:21 AM
Looking at most of the selected new leaders, how they carry themselves. Things they say when they talk undepressure. At times it makes me feel like I'm wiser than these guys, but I'm not at all fit enough to be a precedent not even close. For an example The new president failed to make a simple decision in a life treating (Should I sleep with an HIV + person or I should not?) situation. We should depend on his advisors to make good decisions for him, but looking at the advisors mmmhhhh?. We are in good hands ? chance of me voting are very slim

Benzo 12/19/2007 11:40:25 AM
"everyone should join the ANC" to influence from within..? Sounds like everyone should join the Roman Catholic church to change the church from within! Should we all join all movements we don't like to change them from within? I rather see the split so I can join the bit I like!

Mo 12/19/2007 11:40:46 AM
In his political report, Mbeki was supposed to start with:"The time has come to hand over the baton. And so the time has come to make way for a new generation, secure in the knowledge that despite our numerous mistakes, we sought to serve the cause of freedom; if we stumbled on occasion, the bruises sustained were the mark of the lessons that we had to learn to make our humble contribution to the birth of our nation; so our people can start, after the interregnum of defeat"

BEAUTIFUL 12/19/2007 11:41:33 AM
its about time that ANC be led by a person of JZ persona/calibre.Tm did a lot for the country but he is 2 much of an authoritarian and frankly i dont think he does take nor listen to advices from anybody especially the people who put him there he has no one to blame but himself.It matters not what JZ or how much Jz is going 2 do 4 the country , he will learn and be adviced accordingly as much as TM was.TM was not born a leader he was groomed 2b1 and the same must happen 2 Jz.

Sammy 12/19/2007 11:43:48 AM
In the begining it was Dingaan now Zuma. Zuma has recieved no formal schoolin therefore doesn't have a slites idea of what economic growth is and bridging the gap on unemployment. A man with four wives and has slept with an HIV positive person without protection while being the head of the countries HIV-AIDS committee, was elected by those who resist change.

Toekomsrus 12/19/2007 11:43:53 AM
will only all the fools have voted 4 u cos u taught them dat u can jst minimise the risk by showering and u will repay them again with u foolishness by making this land corrupt

Portia 12/19/2007 11:45:38 AM
How can one vote for a person who undermine woman,and What if he is charge what then??? I know my last election was my last, as long as he is the president I won?t be in the line with others to vote when time comes .JZ thanks for saving me from standing.

sewela 12/19/2007 11:49:22 AM
Zuma must be given a chance, like Mr Mbeki was given. I support Zuma and I believe he has proven to be a strong man who managed to stand for what he believe, he did not let anyone or circumstances to dictacte who he is. The people have spoken! Halala Zuma............ Sewela

Paul Nkuna 12/19/2007 11:51:27 AM
No break up will be resulted from Zuma winning the leadership position of ANC. When Mbeki sacked Zuma, Zuma did not break out of the ANC. His supporters work very hard to bring back democracy in the Party. This was fair defeat to whatever camp which is against the new leadership of the ANC.

NOMSOMBULUKO 12/19/2007 11:53:01 AM
I don't know why people are complaining because JZ was chosen by people he did not chose himself. As for the Mbeki camp must just accept that JZ will be our next president finish and klaar.

mk 12/19/2007 11:53:11 AM
givenchy please leave PAC alone, its not a small party, we don't fight with ourself like your anc

Nthabiseng 12/19/2007 11:53:54 AM
If anything, i am num. This is such a big curcis i must say. I am not begoinning to question the tyep of membership that the ANC has? The man is nothing bit an embarrasment to the conntry, he has no agenda, his morals are questionable,,,,

MP4 12/19/2007 11:56:17 AM
I agree, all whites, coloureds, Indians should unite and vote for one party. Though I doubt it'll work.

sbu 12/19/2007 12:01:14 PM
utter rubhish that this great revolutionary movemenent, the ANC, will break up.

Matshidiso 12/19/2007 12:01:42 PM
JZ is an individual, he does not own the ANC, he must ensure that current think-tanks like Pallo Jordan and Trevor Manuel are retained, he must listen to the NEC and Union Buildings at all times, I trust the presence of Baleka, Kgalema and Matthews on the top six. Lithuli House and Union buildings should be more closer and plan together. The ANC cannot to break now, this will plunge SA into economic and social chaos. The AU and UN needs Mbeki to unite Sudan, Burundi, Zim and DRC. Matshidiso.

Ntsoaki 12/19/2007 12:02:13 PM
The 4000 odd people that were at the conference are NOT representative of the electorate. Come 2009, I will be looking for a new political home. A new party with the same predigree is most ideal right now - lest we lose everything we have worked so hard for. I support the idea of a split.

LALI 12/19/2007 12:02:40 PM
i never thought i'd say this, but i will abstain at the next elections. i cany see myself voting under these circumstances. will gladly join a breakaway party from the a nc

Len 12/19/2007 12:04:09 PM
Spijo, voters are actually the ones that determine whether the ANC remains in power or not, and not the ANC members. It is the voters (all 20 million of them) that voted the ANC to power in the last election. So, If find the attitude that voters cannot have a say in internal ANC members rather crass and uninformed

Vicks 12/19/2007 12:04:23 PM
Ok Mbeki lost.He brought it to himself, he knows it. The fact that you are a president doesn't give you a right to belittle people.You don't make people, people make you. Now Zuma,He has a chance to fix things. He has a power to unite the ANC and prove to us and the world that the people of SA have the will and charisma to work together.Don't let power get to you.I don't favour any of them,but for the sake of the SA people,both sides, put your dick measuring contest aside, and help SA people live

Sam 12/19/2007 12:04:51 PM
If the ANC split, it will mean the end of the DA as the formal opposition. Emotional driven discussions will be in the order of the day like in the rest of Africa. This country does not need a begging mentality to survive, we need politicians who wants to build this country without seeing race and party power. I am not sure if the ANC or any other black political party has got this ability.

Myself 12/19/2007 12:09:01 PM
I am no Zuma supporter but I have great respect for democratic processes... The people have spoken, JZ is head of ANC and in all propability come 2009 he will be head of SA. All I can hope for is that ANC Policy pravails above all.

Ducman 12/19/2007 12:12:24 PM
The party must split into the African National Congress(Zuma) and the New African National Congress(Mbeki)- (nancy party).

Phila 12/19/2007 12:13:37 PM
Its very dissapointing to here of people saying the split of ANC will be good for Democracy. Zuma has been voted by democracy and its very silly for people to think Zuma will change the economic policy to the left as if Zuma will be running an ANC Pty (ltd) like Mbeki did, as it distanced him from the poor, and no body dared talked about the split in the ANC. Shame on you, eat your heart out, Zuma is the ANC Pres, and get over it.

L'vovo 12/19/2007 12:16:12 PM
Mbeki had his slices of let Zuma have his. lot now like politicians, if you were Zuma wouldn?t have won.

levelheaded 12/19/2007 12:16:34 PM
... is that people talk of the ANC like its a religions faith instead of a political party. The ANC did a fantastic job getting SA where it is today. I am so grateful for that. But to talk like they are above everything else. That it is so great it will never split, never fail etc. It's not a religion and blind faith in the party can only lead to disaster.

inside news24

Weather
Traffic
Lottery
Cpt: 17-23°C Mostly sunny. Mild. Pta: 18-30°C Tstorms late. Afternoon clouds. Pleasantly warm.
Jhb: 15-29°C Showers late. Afternoon clouds. Pleasantly warm. Bloem: 17-33°C Morning clouds. Pleasantly warm.
Dbn: 18-25°C Afternoon clouds. Mild. PE: 17-25°C Morning clouds. Mild.
7 day forecasts...

Jobs - Find your dream job

C#.NET Application Developer

Gauteng - JHB North/Sandton
E-Merge IT Recruitment
R380,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company

Senior Java Developer

Gauteng
Hire Resolve

Senior C#.Net application & Web Developer

Gauteng
Hire Resolve

Browse more jobs...
Register your CV...
Advertise a position
Job alert e-mails...

Cars - Search 1000's of new and used cars

AUDI

2009 Audi A3 2.0 T Sportback Manual - 24000kms
Lava Grey & Tan leather interior
R 275 000

VOLKSWAGEN

CitiGolf 1.4i CitiSport 5-dr
2008
R 67,899.00

TOYOTA

Corolla 160i GLS MY04
2006
R 109,000.00

VOLKSWAGEN

Jetta 5 1.9 TDi Comfortline Dsl DSG
2009
R 314,699.00

Property - Find a new home

BLOUBERGSTRAND

Multiple Unit R1,695,000

MIDSTREAM ESTATE

Single Residential R3,800,000

PLETTENBERG BAY

Single Residential R10,000,000

Travel - Look, Book, Go!

Luxury bush escape

Book a five-star stay at Pumba Game Lodge or Richard Branson's Ulusaba Safari Lodge and save R2 000. More details!

Free Games - TOO MUCH NEWS? TAKE A BREAK!

Zuma

Play Now »

Farm Frenzy 2

Play Now »

Twenty20 Cricket

Play Now »

Bejeweled 2

Play Now »

Mahjongg Fortuna

Play Now »

More Free Games

Kalahari.net - shop online today

Great Festive Savings on Books

Up to 30% Off ALL Books. 2.3 million titles on SALE.

Sleek New iPod Range. Order Your's Now!

iPod nano 16GB - Black, Was R2,499.00 Now R2,299.00! Save R200!

Up to 40% off Fabulous Festive Flicks

46 000 DVDs and Blu-Ray on sale now! Pre-order Up and District 9!

Up to 20% off ALL Music

100s of festive new releases now in stock! Now, Bump 25, Bon Jovi & more!

1000s of Festive Toys on Sale

Lots of Toys, free gift wrap, lowest prices on Lego Mindstorm, Ben 10, Hannah Montana & more!

Hot Deal of the Day!

Up to 30% off Books

Ends midnight, 30 November

2.3 million titles on sale! New Stieg Larsson, Jeremy Clarkson, Jamie Oliver & more!

Up to 40% Off Sale on All Books, Toys, CDs, DVDs & Games!