Zuma tries to allay fears about his leadership

DURBAN – South Africa President Jacob Zuma sought to shut down speculation that his leadership is under threat, as he opened a key policy conference for the ruling African National Congress.

The five-day meeting in the port city of Durban poses a major test to his presidency, after sharp criticism from labour allies and deepening rivalries within the ANC.But Zuma, who has three years left in his term, told the opening of the conference that any moves to succeed him were premature.’We must take a decision that those who engage in such activities are in fact undermining the organisation and its work and at worst, are undermining the unity of the organisation,’ he said. ‘Action must be taken against them.’’Mobilising and lobbying for succession so early also gives the wrong impression that the ANC comprises of groups of people who are preoccupied with fighting for influential positions to advance personal interests instead of advancing the programme of the organisation,’ he added.The alliance between the ANC and the main labour federation Cosatu was strained by a public service strike that shut down government for three weeks and by unionists’ calls for more pro-poor economic policies.In August, Cosatu boss Zwelinzima Vavi said the alliance with the ANC was ‘dysfunctional’ and accused Zuma of turning the country into a ‘predatory state’.But Zuma insisted that the alliance remained strong despite the tensions.’All the bold headlines about the imminent death of the alliance are a waste of time and ink because the alliance will live for a long time to come,’ Zuma said.But he said the public servants strike required ‘serious introspection’ by the party and Cosatu.Some 2 800 party members converged on Durban for heated debates on proposals to nationalise mines and impose new rules on the media.Delegates dressed in the yellow and green of the ANC sang songs from the anti-apartheid struggle before Zuma took the stage.Zuma’s performance as president is not on the agenda, but he will struggle to unify the party – and the labour allies who brought him to power.’The problem is, he is trying to unite us as the ANC, and (deal) especially also with the challenges faced by the alliance’ with the labour unions, said one delegate who asked not to be named.After talks last week, Cosatu apologised for some of the personal attacks on Zuma, but stood by its criticisms of the government.Zuma understands all too well the potential impact of the meeting.In 2005, he used the general council to set the stage for his eventual defeat of former president Thabo Mbeki as party leader and then as head of state.That dramatic upset still echoes, and Cosatu is using the possibility of similar upheaval as leverage in pushing its goals.Zuma’s problems with Cosatu are compounded by challenges from the ANC’s own youth league, whose leader Julius Malema has publicly challenged his leadership.Malema is spearheading calls to nationalise mines, a move the ANC says would drive away foreign investors. But Malema says he will not support any leader who disagrees with him.The party will also review proposals to create a Media Appeals Tribunal, a court for people who feel wronged by reporting. The court would have the power to impose legal penalties, which South African media fear could muzzle critical reporting. – Nampa-AFP