E-CAPE ANC CALLS FOR ZUMA’S HEAD

Early conference call rejected

ANC structures in the Eastern Cape became the first of party formations, after the local government elections, to call for President Jacob Zuma’s removal.

The call echoed in at least three meetings of ANC branches, in Buffalo City Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) and provincial structures of the ANC Youth League, over the weekend.

Heated meetings in the province’s two metros saw frustrated ANC members voicing their frustrations while calling for Zuma’s head.

It is understood that delegates at both gatherings, blamed Zuma’s shenanigans, including his association with the Gupta family and the R246-million upgrade of his Nkandla homestead, for ANC’s poor performance during the recent polls, which saw the party lose control of the NMBM, Tshwane and the City of Joburg.

Delegates attending the ANCYL provincial general council in East London on Sunday, also called for Zuma’s immediate removal.

The closed meeting in East London was attended by ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe. The meetings were meant to be about post-election assessment and consultation with branches, for their opinion.

At the East London meeting, the issue of Zuma’s removal was first brought up by ANC’s Yure Mdyogolo branch member, Thabang Maseko, who advised Mantashe that “instead of risking losing the country in 2019, the president needs to go, even if it means him taking a long sick leave,” according to sources who attended the meeting.

The provincial ANCYL broke ranks with its mother body, telling league national working committee members, Mbasa Satyi and Princess Faku, that there was no need for an early conference but that Zuma has to go, instead.

League spokesman Ayongezwa Lungisa confirmed that 90% of more than 600 branches in attendance, rejected the call for an early elective ANC conference, instead most of them called for Zuma’s head.

“The majority of the delegates outrightly rejected the call for an early conference, but most of them – mostly sub-regional leaders, did call for President Zuma’s removal.

“Issues such as e-tolls and the security upgrades at the president’s homestead, were some of the issues pinpointed as having cost the ANC some votes,” Lungisa said.

About six delegates who were at the meeting, but asked to remain anonymous, also confirmed the discussions on Zuma’s removal.

“The call was supported by the majority of delegates. Anyone who spoke to support the retainment of Zuma was met with loud singing from members before they even completed their speeches,” said one sub-region leader.

ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane, yesterday refused to commenting on the matter, while numerous attempts to reach Mantashe last night failed.