Zuma dispels two-centre fears
2007-12-20 17:42
Polokwane - Newly-elected ANC president Jacob Zuma struck a conciliatory tone towards his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, in his first speech as party leader on Thursday.
Referring to Mbeki as "a comrade, friend and brother", Zuma said: "Contesting positions among comrades does not make us enemies."
Zuma was addressing African National Congress delegates on the final day of the party's national conference in Polokwane.
He toppled Mbeki on Tuesday night with more than 800 votes after a bruising leadership battle.
On Thursday Zuma said of Mbeki: "I have known the man, the brother, the friend and indeed the leader for over 30 years".
He said he never thought that he and Mbeki would one day compete for the same position in the ANC.
No reason for uncertainty
Zuma said the party would now continue to work together to unite and build a stronger ANC.
He added that there was "no reason for uncertainty or fear in any quarter".
He was referring to anxiety that may arise because of the existence of two presidents, one of state and another of the party.
"Comrade Mbeki and I, both as members of the ANC first and foremost, will develop smooth working relations between government and the ruling party".
"Comrades and friends, we are proud of the fact that we are emerging from Polokwane stronger and ready to heal and unite the ANC and face the present and the future with greater vigour.
"There cannot be a Zuma camp nor an Mbeki camp."
- SAPA