* Zuma misrepresented
In a report on IOL on April 13, President Jacob Zuma was quoted as saying during his birthday celebrations that he still had a lot to give the organisation if it deployed him.
We misconstrued this in a headline quoting him as his saying he would run for a second term. We apologise for any misunderstanding this may have created. Editor
ANC president Jacob Zuma has declared himself available to lead the ANC again if party members want him to.
“I still have a lot to offer to this organisation,” he said during his 70th birthday celebrations at Luthuli House on Thursday.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is tipped to challenge him for the ANC presidency at the Mangaung elective conference in December, was also at the party.
Zuma made the comments despite his party’s having declared a ban on succession debate.
All those in the race for the ANC leadership are expected to announce their availability in October when nominations open.
But on Thursday, Zuma announced his availability to run for a second term: “I still have a lot to give to this organisation if it deploys me.
“People ask me what do I do to remain young. It is simple. You need a good heart. You must not hate people. You just need to be nice, even when something bad happens. You must wish your enemies good luck… then you’ll live until 70,” he told a cheering crowd.
Zuma did not mention who his enemies were, but expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema – who last month called him a dictator – was in the same building fighting against his expulsion from the ANC.
While Zuma was cutting his birthday cake on the ground floor of Luthuli House, Malema and league spokesman Floyd Shivambu were six floors above him pleading with Cyril Ramaphosa, chairman of the national disciplinary committee of appeals (NDCA) to rescind their exit from the ANC.
Malema was expelled from the ANC in February on two counts of misconduct. The ANC found his comments that Botswana President Ian Khama was a puppet of the West was unbecoming of an ANC member. He was also fired for singing former president Thabo Mbeki’s praises.
In November, Derek Hanekom, who conducted the initial disciplinary hearing against Malema, found his comments undermined Zuma’s presidency and compromised the ANC’s relations with the Botswana government.
Malema’s membership was initially suspended for five years, but he appealed against it.
Hanekom then expelled him from the ANC, saying he failed to express remorse during his appeal.
While Malema and Shivambu were trying to save their political careers, Zuma told his guests: “There is no headquarters more important than this in the country.”
ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe, who led the Happy birthday song, wished Zuma “many, many more years” and said the ANC needed him. “The ANC still needs your experience and wisdom, comrade,” Mantashe said.
Using his trademark charismatic charm, Zuma said he was old enough to write a book, but it would be aimed “at grandchildren”.
Meanwhile, Malema temporarily put a hold on his expulsion following the absence of his legal counsel. The hearing was postponed after he told Ramaphosa that his previous legal representative was not available on Thursday.
Ramaphosa initially turned down his application and insisted the hearing continue. Malema and his team then asked to introduce a new legal representative. The NDCA granted the request and advocate Muzi Sikhakhane appeared for them. He asked for a chance to familiarise himself with the heads of argument.
The hearing was put on hold provided the league’s heads of argument were submitted by Wednesday.
Political Bureau, The Star