Zuma to deliver what could be his last January 8 statement
Zuma to speak out against factionalism within his own party‚ and his speech will plea for unity
Thousands of ANC supporters braved the cold, wet weather to attend the party’s 105th birthday celebrations at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Sunday. The event marks the curtain raiser to what is set to be a tumultuous political year as the party prepares to elect a successor to President Jacob Zuma in December. The annual January 8 statement comes as the ANC battles to put a lid on succession talk – with its women’s league on Saturday openly endorsing former African Union commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to succeed Zuma. Ally Cosatu had late last year endorsed deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa to take over arguing that the party should adhere to tradition where the Deputy President succeeds the incumbent. The event was fast-tracked on Sunday to ensure that Zuma was able to address the crowd in the 40,000 capacity stadium before anticipated thunderstorms broke over the stadium. Chairwoman Baleka Mbete said the president would speak ahead of the alliance partners who are set ...
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