'Tell us anything...'

2007-12-19 18:32

Polokwane - The ANC's new president, Jacob Zuma, treated the media to no more than an enigmatic smile as he was mobbed when he left the presidential suite at the party's conference in Polokwane on Wednesday.

He maintained a steadfast silence as he emerged after lunch, after meeting and greeting his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe, national chair Baleka Mbete and secretary-general Thandi Modise.

Photographers running after him cringed with embarrassment when they realised they were following him to the toilet.

When he returned, he was begged repeatedly for comment, but he kept up the silence he has maintained since he was elected on Tuesday night.

"Mr Zuma, Mr Zuma, please... how do you feel, tell us anything, just one comment...," called a reporter.

Zuma, flanked by his bodyguards who at times had to push people away, started laughing, but still would not say anything.

He took off his hat as he got into his chauffeur-driven, official black BMW with his treasurer-general Mathews Phosa and they sped away.

Zuma is expected to address the closing session of the conference on Thursday.

A planned media briefing for Wednesday was cancelled on the grounds that Zuma should address the party's members first.

- SAPA