Mbeki, Zuma contest ANC poll

Last Modified: 17 Dec 2007
By: Jonathan Rugman

Controversial politician Jacob Zuma goes head to head with Thabo Mbeki in the ANC's first leadership contest in 58 years.

It is a contest that has been characterised by heckling and booing rather than fraternity. South Africa's ruling ANC is having its first leadership election in 58 years.

There are two candidates: former comrades Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, whose supporters have been attempting to drown out one another at a conference in Limpopo.

Mr Zuma has been acquitted of rape but could face corruption charges. In a three-hour address today, President Mbeke stressed the need for ethical leadership at the top of the ANC.

Liberation movements rarely sack their leaders - but that is the shame Thabo Mbeki may now face.

In public they are all smiles. But there is bitter discord between President Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, his charismatic challenger.

The ANC veterans are both fighting their party's first contested leadership election in 50 years. And it is a divided ANC.

Many of the 4000 delegates were heckling one another today. Liberation movements rarely sack their leaders - but that is the shame Mr Mbeki may now face.

Jacob Zuma was once imprisoned alongside Nelson Mandela . And he is also blessed with the common touch. But he's still an extraordinary choice.

If Jacob Zuma succeeds this week, he is expected to become South Africa's next president in 2009.

He was charged with rape. And though he was acquitted, Zuma admitted to unprotected sex with a woman he knew was HIV positive. He was also forced to resign as vice-president because of corruption charges which are still pending against him.

Yet South Africans have tired of the conservative Mbeki, who is often described as an aloof intellectual.

"Bring me my machine gun," Zuma's supporters sang today. It is an old anti-apartheid war song to stir the party faithful.

And if Jacob Zuma succeeds in that this week, then he is expected to become South Africa's next president in 2009.