Mathale sings Zuma's praises

2012-03-22 09:34

Johannesburg - Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale expressed his "love" for President Jacob Zuma during a Human Rights Day celebration in Mashashane, near Polokwane, The Sowetan reported on Thursday.

Mathale shouted Zuma's name before his speech on Wednesday and said he loved the president. The crowd reportedly shouted disapproving remarks back at Mathale. Some said they "did not want Zuma".

Mathale, a close ally of ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, has been at the centre of an alleged battle for political power in the ANC. After he was re-elected as the party's leader in Limpopo, in December last year, Mathala said there were no "supreme members" in the ANC, including Zuma.

Mathale's victory was seen as a boost to his and Malema's reported efforts to unseat Zuma as ANC president.

Shortly before his victory, Zuma placed five of Mathale's provincial government departments under administration following allegations of financial mismanagement. His government had asked the Treasury to increase its overdraft facility by R1bn so it could meet its obligations. He has since said he supported the intervention.

- SAPA