A time to lead, a time to follow

2007-12-21 11:10

Polokwane - There was a time to lead and a time to follow, businessman Tokyo Sexwale said on Thursday at the ANC's 52nd National Conference in Polokwane.

Sexwale, who declined nomination for the party's national chairmanship, said he was pleased with the outcome of the ruling party's election - with Jacob Zuma at its helm.

"It's about leadership change. Its important that leaders must get used to the fact, the key word is get used to the fact, that this is not regime change, it is leadership change," he said.

"Lastly, I need to say this: there's a time for leaders to lead but also comes a time for leaders to follow... So there's a time to lead and a time to follow and both must be done well - lead well and follow well. Give other people a chance to come with new views."

Sexwale, also thought to have had his eye set on the party's presidency, recently came out in Zuma's support.

He said he declined the party's nomination for the position of chairperson and nominated Baleka Mbete in his place because "high quality" woman in South Africa had to be recognised.

"There are high quality women who are there and Baleka... once I saw that name, I would not have retreated for any other.

"It's not just a woman thing, but it's a good woman thing," he said.

- SAPA