Zuma re-election ‘mission accomplished’

President Jacob Zuma’s re-election in Mangaung was “mission accomplished” as the outcome of the leadership election “truly represents the aspirations of branches of the ANC in the province and the entire country,” ANC chairperson in the Eastern Cape Phumulo Masualle has said.

Thousands of ANC members packed Motherwell Stadium in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, today to celebrate the provincial centenary rally of the ruling party.

The provincial leadership of the ANC was led by Masualle and provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane.

The celebrations follow hot on the heels of the party’s 101st anniversary rally in Durban last week which was addressed by Zuma, who called for party unity after a bruising Mangaung conference in December.

ANC members chanted pro-Zuma songs as marshals in the stadium had their hands full trying to keep order. The party faithful painted the stadium black, green and yellow with party colours. Vendors outside the stadium sold party merchandise.

Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC present included Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom, Rural Development Minister Gugile Nkwinti, former Zuma spokesperson Zizi Kodwa and Eastern Cape legislature speaker Fikile Xasa.

Deputy secretary-general of the ANC Jessie Duarte was expected to deliver the keynote address.

Ayanda Matiti, ANC Youth League chairperson in the province, who supported the failed bid to get Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe elected party leader, chanted, “Viva President Zuma.”

Matiti said moves to recall Premier Noxolo Kiviet were suspicious as her term was nearing its end.

“People must wait for their time,” Matiti said.

He said the league would continue to fight for economic freedom and reluctantly welcomed the ANC’s resolutions in Mangaung not to nationalise mines, but said this was a moderate approach which they were prepared to give a chance.

“As we welcome the resolutions of the 53rd congress in Mangaung, we will continue to say land of this country must go back to the indigenous people of the country. The mineral resources of the land must also be to the benefit of our people,” Matiti said.

The event was also attended by monarchs, which included AmaXhosa king Mpendulo Sigcawu and Western Pondoland king Ndamase Ndamase, as well as business and religious leaders.

Provincial chairperson of Cosatu Phumelele Saziwa said the future of the country rested in the ANC.

Saziwa said Cosatu in the province supported the protracted farm workers’ strike in the Western Cape.