Zuma skips build-up to ANC rally
Party’s top pair buck historical trend by failing to visit townships
The build-up to the ANC’s January 8 celebrations has been low-key, with President Jacob Zuma and his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, having not yet visited a single township in Gauteng this week. This is unprecedented as the top ANC leaders usually conduct door-to-door visits to drum up support for the event, and hold mini rallies in the week ahead of the January 8 event to celebrate the party’s birthday. The rally, which will mark the ANC’s 105th anniversary, is due to be held at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Zuma is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, which will outline the party’s programme of action for the year. ANC Gauteng leadership, under provincial chairman Paul Mashatile, is seen as hostile to Zuma’s leadership. Support in Gauteng for the party dropped in the 2014 national election and again in the municipal election last year. The ANC lost Tshwane and Johannesburg to a DA-led partnership with the EFF and other small opposition parties.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.