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We must tackle crime, HIV/Aids
20/12/2007 20:12 - (SA)
Polokwane - Fighting crime and curbing HIV/Aids featured strongly in the first public speech of newly elected African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma on Thursday.
Crime was a threat that should be eliminated, he told delegates on the final day of the party's national conference in Polokwane.
"If we were able to defeat vigilantism and the apartheid system, what can stop us from defeating this ugly factor that has tainted our democracy?".
Zuma said all ANC structures should join the battle against HIV/Aids.
"We must live up to our slogan and build a caring society that does not discriminate against those living with HIV and Aids, while working to prevent infections."
Zuma was also at pains to quell concerns over the ANC's economic policy under its new leadership.
He stressed that economic policies adopted at the conference did not indicate a fundamental shift from the approach the party had followed since it came into power.
"There is therefore no reason why the domestic or international business community or any other sector should be uneasy," he said.
"I tried to calm these fears before the conference during my meetings with various business groupings at home and abroad."
Zuma began his speech by striking a conciliatory tone towards his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki.
Referring to Mbeki as a "a comrade, friend and brother", Zuma said: "Contesting positions among comrades does not make us enemies."
Zuma 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.
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.
"We cannot have a Zuma camp or a Mbeki camp, there is only one ANC. None among us is above the organisation or bigger than the ANC."
Zuma said the ANC's fundamental policies were based on anti-racism and anti-tribalism.
This was not the time for the luxury of division and disunity at all levels.
"In every walk of life, we must close ranks," Zuma said.
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