Dissidents marrying DA - Zuma

2008-11-13 22:03

Kimberley - ANC dissidents divorcing the party were at the same time celebrating a new marriage to the Democratic Alliance, ANC president Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.

He asserted that this had been implied by DA leader Helen Zille when she addressed the breakaway group's recent convention in Sandton, Johannesburg.

"It's not me who said that, it's (Helen) Zille in that conference," Zuma said in Galeshewe, Kimberley.

Zuma was addressing thousands of volunteer election workers.

He jokingly asked the crowd if any of them would also consider marrying the DA, evoking a roar of refusal.

Zuma said those who were leaving the African National Congress should know that they would remain a tiny minority.

"Their plan is that people would resign in phases, ministers, councillors, mayors, premiers - even if they do that they would stay a tiny minority."

The ANC president told the crowd he was ready "to be led" by the party.

"I'm ready to be led. If the ANC said 'you, come back', I would be glad (and) I would never be angry."

Zuma said those leaving the ANC on their popularity they had in the organisation should think twice.

"They think they can take that popularity to other organisations. Do not think when you drive on the wave of the ANC that it is your own wave."

Zuma said the masses had respected and supported many ANC leaders because of the movement.

He urged party members to leave those departing the ANC alone.

"Please let them go in peace. Maybe we would have fewer problems."

Zuma repeated his message that the ANC would seek to improve the salaries of the police, teachers, and nurses.

The issue of teenage pregnancies also came up.

Young mothers tended to leave their kids with grandparents, creating financial problems for the elderly, Zuma said.

"Children are eating up the pensions of their grannies."

Zuma was scheduled to visit the Khu! and Kwe! communities in Platfontein, outside Kimberley, later in the afternoon.

He was to conclude his Northern Cape visit by attending a closed ANC fundraising event in Kimberley.

- SAPA