Zuma will win despite Motlanthe

A file picture of President Jacob Zuma, left, and his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe. Picture: Phill Magakoe

A file picture of President Jacob Zuma, left, and his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe. Picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Dec 12, 2012

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Johannesburg - Kgalema Motlanthe's acceptance of a nomination to the ANC's top seat does not change who will win or lose, political analyst Steven Friedman said on Wednesday night.

“I think Mr Motlanthe knows that... the branches have overwhelmingly decided on Mr (Jacob) Zuma,” he said on the sidelines of a panel debate at Constitution Hill.

“What does change is that because you have a contested election it becomes possible that the people of Mangaung will question whether certain delegates (or groups) should be there or not.”

He said Mathews Phosa and Fikile Mbabula's acceptance of nominations, also to executive seats, was a test of strength against ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

“The idea of contesting Mantashe is an attempt to demonstrate strength...and it won't be a successful attempt.”

He said unless hundreds of delegates at the ANC's elective conference ignored what their branches had decided, Zuma would be re-elected as president. - Sapa

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