Zuma meets key allies

2007-12-19 15:48

Polokwane - Newly-elected president of the African National Congress, Jacob Zuma, met his key allies near the voting stations at the University of Limpopo in Polokwane on Wednesday.

Zuma was involved in discussions in a presidential suite constructed for the conference at the far end of the university.

New deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, speaking outside the presidential suite, said he would give his new position his "best shot".

Motlanthe said he was still to be "inducted" into his new position as the ruling party's deputy president.

He said he did not celebrate after the announcement of his election was made.

"How do you celebrate duty and responsibility?" he asked.

Treasurer General, Mathews Phosa, said he looked forward to the challenge of his new job, after meeting with Zuma.

"It's an enormous challenge," he said.

Secretary general, Thandi Modise, said: "Let's just say it's not like winning a beauty contest; it's a lot of responsibility."

- SAPA