Chris Van Gass
7 November 2008
Cape Town — The African National Congress (ANC) was not in crisis because of the breakaway of dissidents led by former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota to form a new party as many people believed, ANC president Jacob Zuma said last night.
Zuma is on a tour of Western Cape as part of a vanguard action into contested areas to boost his party's prospects ahead of a number of critical by-elections that will be the first test of support between the ANC and the new party.
Zuma addressed about 400 shop stewards from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and appealed to Cosatu members to "work towards strengthening the organisation" in the light of talk that a new labour federation was going to be formed.
He said the ANC alliance should not be distracted from the task of advancing democracy in SA and called on everyone to handle the issues surrounding the breakaway party with "dignity".
"Let us keep quiet and work for our organisations. The future is ours," Zuma told a cheering crowd. He said allegations that the ANC had deviated from the principles laid down in the Freedom Charter rang hollow.
He said there was no evidence provided of such deviations "except anger" by people who could not understand that they were no longer in power.
Zuma began his offensive in the province last night when he reiterated the role both Cosatu and the South African Communist Party played, along with the ANC, in entrenching democracy in the country. He shared the platform with Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
Party officials have not held back about the significance of Zuma's visit, particularly as it comes on registration weekend for next year's general election. Zuma called on all those present to encourage registration, especially among the youth who have never voted before.
Zuma will visit at least four areas where rebel councillors have resigned, and by-elections will be held next month .
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