Zuma wins ANC leadership vote

Zuma wins ANC leadership vote

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SOUTH Africa's ruling ANC has chosen Jacob Zuma as leader, ousting President Thabo Mbeki.

The result means the populist Zuma is almost certain to succeed Mbeki as president in 2009.

Uncertainty over Zuma's policies and his strong left-wing backing have caused jitters among investors and opened the worst rifts in the history of the previously monolithic ANC, which has ruled almost unchallenged since apartheid ended in 1994.

The vote was delayed by two days of often chaotic wrangling and barracking of Mbeki and his ministers.

The rifts have dismayed veterans including Nelson Mandela and raised fears that continued infighting will divert the government's attention from a huge Aids epidemic, widespread crime and poverty.

The ANC rank and file accused Mbeki of neglecting these issues in favour of market-friendly policies.

Analysts say markets were prepared for a Zuma victory and not all investors share the view that he is a threat to prudent economic policies.

Some say more public spending, on healthcare, education and infrastructure, is vital to defuse dangerous resentment among the millions of blacks who remain in poverty under majority rule.

Although he must step down as South African leader in 2009, Mbeki was keen on retaining control of the party to avoid becoming a lame duck and to influence the choice of his successor.

Zuma, backed by the trade unions, went into the congress with huge momentum over Mbeki, whose opponents say he has become autocratic and unapproachable and has moved too slowly to help millions of poor blacks.

Zuma has tried to reassure investors there would be no sweeping economic policy changes under his leadership.

He has met businessmen overseas and toured poor villages at home on an American-style campaign trail, staging a remarkable comeback after a rape trial and graft allegations that would have buried most politicians.

He was acquitted in the rape trial but evidence, including his admission that he showered after sex with an HIV-positive family friend to avoid infection, tarnished his reputation. - Reuters
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