Johannesburg — AFTER a week of censure over his sexual indiscretions, President Jacob Zuma yesterday got the first public show of support from political ally the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).
But the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League was lukewarm in its support for a second term for Zuma, indicating the coalition that thrust him into power in 2007 is unravelling and Zuma cannot count on complete support in the ruling alliance.
Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini said it would still support Zuma for a second term as president of the ANC and SA.
He dismissed reports that ANC leaders were keen to drop Zuma after one term, after the second scandal involving his sexual conduct. "He is fit and we want him to continue. We don't want instability," he said.
Zuma's fathering of his 20th child, out of wedlock, has been severely criticised. He apologised on Saturday.
"Yes, he made a mistake but the president has to be judged on the priorities facing the country," Dlamini said.
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Zuma had another public engagement cancelled yesterday. While the ANC said Zuma could not attend the event in Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats because of the party's national working committee meeting, it is understood Zuma was being saved from potential embarrassment.
Gender rights activists and opposition parties had planned to boo Zuma, sources said. After his love child became public last week, Zuma's schedule on Thursday and Friday was cleared, ostensibly as he needed to rest.
The youth league was less emphatic than Cosatu on Zuma's future, saying it would not be drawn on debate about leadership battles and Zuma's possible second term as party president. Spokesman Floyd Shivambu said: "We are not going to dignify this question. Zuma is the president of the ANC and the matter will be discussed at an appropriate time in the structures of the party."
South African Communist Party spokesman Malesela Maleka was also vague, saying the election of the ANC president was a "matter for ANC members".
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