afrol News, 11 December - Having galvanised the support of a key political tycoon, it is apparent that Jacob Zuma's chances of leading the ruling African National Congress of South Africa are yielding dividends.

Tokyo Sexwale had publicly announced throwing weight behind Zuma at a public lecture at Wits University in Johannesburg.

Until recently, Sexwale, who has been nominated for the ANC Chairmanship, had been considered an arch-rival of Zuma.

Sexwale denied media reports that the battle for ANC leadership is splitting the party, although it is robust and filled with tension.

But a statement from the ANC national executive committee expressed outrage over COSATU General Secretary's comments accusing party's men supporters of the gender parity proposal of being "legendary womanisers who want the 50/50 representation so they can take advantage of the women they voted into power".

Zwelinzima Vavi has been criticised for insulting all the party members and that his comments does not only portray his ignorance, but it has also exemplified the worst and most backward aspects of sexism, as he considered all women as "mindless beings easily manipulated, and incapable of rising to positions of political leadership without dispensing sexual favours."

Zuma has secured the backing of five provincial branches, the ANC Women's and Youth Leagues whereas President Thabo Mbeki is backed by four provincial branches. But the party's national congress at Polokwane will decide who leads Africa's oldest party.

Mbeki is expected to step down from office in 2009, when his two-year term expires. Jacob Zuma could become the next South African President if he wins the leadership race.

With only five days before the national conference, the ANC deputy leader yesterday turned the colour of the international human rights day in Johannesburg by throwing punches at Mbeki's administration for abusing state power.

He said it was important for South Africans to uphold the constitution and ensure that state organs operated under the democratic principles enshrined, which must not be abused in any way by anyone.

Zuma also tackled South African government on its "quiet diplomacy" on Zimbabwe where gross violations of rights continue unabated.

"When history eventually deals with the dictators, those who stood by and watched the deterioration of nations should bear the consequences," he said.

He expressed concern about "pockets of grinding poverty", horror stories of starvation, malnutrition, disease and hopelessness in South Africa.

He said criticised his country's laws of being "user-friendly" on criminals. "In a country where we don't have (the) death penalty then the laws must bite," Zuma said, amid standing ovation.

The former ANC Women's League leader, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, had summoned the two leaders for an urgent meeting in order to thrash out their the bitter succession rift. She met the leaders separately.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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