Luphert Chilwane
8 October 2008
Johannesburg — AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma last night praised former president Thabo Mbeki's contribution to SA and the rest of the continent.
He said the government under Mbeki's leadership had "performed exceptionally well".
Speaking at a gathering of black business leaders, Zuma said there would be no "dramatic" policy changes, but that "individuals deployed in certain stations were welcome to enhance the implementation of policies".
He said black business professionals were important to the ANC's endeavours to transform the economy and create wealth and jobs.
Zuma praised broad-based black economic empowerment policies, saying they should provide for the participation of women and youth.
Priorities for the ANC in the run-up to elections next year would remain the delivery of basic services, continuing to build on successes achieved over the past 14 years and creating sustainable jobs.
He also played down talk of a split in the ANC, saying if a new party was formed it would probably not have a long lifespan.
"What kind of alternative policies could you put across alternate to the ANC, that would challenge the ANC? I don't think so, but I'm not saying it can't happen."
Zuma invited Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who has said he would not vote in the elections, to raise his problems with the ruling party.
"As the ANC we respect the elders of our nation and do not take their views lightly. We are puzzled as to why he wants to deny himself the right to vote, which he earned through the blood, sweat and tears of our people, and which he himself campaigned tirelessly for," Zuma said.
Businessman Sandile Zungu told the audience the black business community felt it was important to create a platform for Zuma to share his vision for the future.
"We wish you, Mr President, good luck and we want you to hold your head high when you become president.
"We recognise you have gone through pains and we assure you your pain is our pain. The relationship between black business and the ANC goes a long way back and it is important, especially at this time."
Earlier, in an interview with SAfm, Zuma said that according to the constitution he was innocent of fraud and corruption charges until a court found otherwise.
"When we think and say things, we must remember what the constitution says ... Don't condemn a man ... a court has to find you guilty."
With Amy Musgrave, Sapa
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