Zuma makes surprise speech

People should refrain from discussing the party’s succession process, President Jacob Zuma said in a surprise appearance yesterday at the ANC’s 105th anniversary celebrations in KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.

Zuma, who was in the area for the funeral of a relative and had not planned to address the crowd, said there were people obsessed with positions, and “we know the reason why”.

“We want this to be discussed during the policy conference in June,” he said. Let us refrain from discussing succession. That time will come.

“We’re not saying people shouldn’t express themselves – this is a democracy. But how you express yourself tells what kind of a leader you are.

“There are leaders who unite and leaders who sow division.”

Zuma emphasised the issue of unity, saying it was imperative for the party’s members to be more united.

Also present were ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.