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Tokyo backs Zuma bid
11/12/2007 22:22 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Business tycoon Tokyo Sexwale has thrown his weight behind ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma as both men cemented support in the most powerful voting bloc to go to the party's crucial Polokwane national conference.
The Daily Dispatch reported that about 1 500 supporters gathered in the small town of Ngcobo in the former Transkei on Tuesday, where Zuma addressed one of the last gatherings before the make-or-break meeting which starts on Sunday.
Addressing the crowds - which turned the Ngcobo sports grounds into a mass of black "100% Zuma" t-shirts - Zuma warned delegates to ensure that they "implement and execute the mandate from their branches".
"Your duty is to implement and execute the mandate of your branches, nothing else. No delegate has a right to change the decision of the branch when they get to Limpopo," Zuma said. 'Sleazy' tactics
The Eastern Cape is sending the largest group of delegates with at least 886 representatives. This number might still grow to 906.
The country's former deputy president was apparently referring to allegations that the camp supporting President Thabo Mbeki was using increasing sleazy tactics in a drive to win over delegates, including offering money, business development opportunities and government jobs.
"If you change your decision you will be subverting democracy," Zuma said.
He added: "It is worrying that some people in the leadership are going out at night, trying to convince delegates by threatening and bribing them. It is worrying, comrades," Zuma said.
In his speech, Sexwale threw his weight behind Zuma.
"Where is my t-shirt?" he asked in reference to t-shirts worn by his supporters earlier this year that said "Tokyo for President." 'It's the Zuma tsunami'
"I know what happened to my t-shirt. It's the Zuma tsunami," Sexwale said.
Without referring to Mbeki by name, he said: "There is no leader that should be there forever. There is a time to lead and a time to follow."
Sexwale too urged delegates not sell their votes.
"Cadres, when you go to Limpopo you must be wary of people offering you money to buy away your vote. You should not be sell-outs. Do not sell the mandate that has been given to you by your branches."
One of the surprise guests at the rally was Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, who arrived with hundreds of others at the Ngcobo sports grounds.
Supporters wore "100% Zuma" T-shirts and sang songs praising their candidate. Mbeki 'has done his bit'
"I don't care who said what, Zuma is going to rule," the crowd chanted before going over into Zuma's familiar campaign song, Umshini Wam (bring me my machine gun).
One of the supporters, 72-year-old Luyanda Siyaliwa, said he was there because he wanted change.
"I don't have anything against (President Thabo) Mbeki. He has done his bit," Siyaliwa told the Dispatch.
"But I support Zuma because I want change," he said as he proudly showed off his "100% Zuma" T-shirt.
Ziyanda Mahlutshana, 21, said she supported Zuma "because he is closer to the people than his president (Mbeki)".
"Also, Mbeki's policies like allowing gay people to get married, does not make sense," she added.
- SAPA
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