South African President Jacob Zuma has been re-elected ruling African National Congress (ANC) party leader, setting him up for a second term as the country’s leader.
The result was eagerly anticipated in Zimbabwe where Mr. Zuma is the Southern African Development Community (SADC) appointed mediator since taking over from his predecessor former president Thabo Mbeki, who negotiated Zimbabwe Global Political Agreement leading to the formation of the government of national unity.
ANC delegates also elected Cyril Ramaphosa as Mr. Zuma's new deputy. About 4,000 delegates gathered for the ANC's Mangaung conference and leadership vote.
Mr. Zuma beat his vice president and challenger Kgalema Motlanthe for the stewardship of the party.
Joy Mabenge, Democracy and Governance Manager of the Institute for A Democratic Alternative in Zimbabwe said that the Zuma victory is significant for Zimbabwe as it ensures continuity in foreign policy.
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Interview With Joy Mabhenge
Speaking at the ANC conference, Zanu PF chairman, Simon Khaya Moyo, said his party and the ANC had long-standing relations.
Chairman of Non-Governmental Organisations, Effie Dlela Ncube, said: “Khaya should have talked about the ANC’s democratic processes and compared the two parties' policies and in this case, Zanu PF is the complete opposite of South African party.”
