A protest and party for Zuma
● Opposition parties united in call for president to resign ● Millions spent on lavish birthday bash by ANC leaders
The ANC threw a lavish birthday bash worth millions of rands for President Jacob Zuma in Kliptown, Soweto, an area known for its abject poverty.
The ANC-led government has failed to build houses for the people in this area. Sanitation and water supply are also in poor state for decades.
It is the first time the ruling party has gone all out to organise a birthday bash for its president. Deep divisions within the party were laid bare during the bash, with ANC top officials failing to show up. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe and party treasurergeneral Zweli Mkhize, who criticised Zuma after his last cabinet reshuffle, did not attend the event.
National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete also did not attend. The ANC Gauteng leadership, which has been critical of Zuma’s leadership, also gave the bash a miss.
But Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Kebby Maphatsoe and Gauteng MEC for sports, arts and culture Faith Mazibuko, North West premier Supra Mahumapelo attended.
Cosatu president S’dumo Dlamini was in attendance.
The crowd went wild as Zuma, clad in an ANC leather jacket, arrived. Zuma was accompanied by his wife, Thobeka Madiba-Zuma.
High-profile figures rocked up in their luxury cars such as BMW X5s and Audi Q7s.
Held in Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955, the party was attended by Zuma loyalists.
At the event last night, Zuma spoke out against his fellow comrades who have turned against him, labelling them “backstabbers” and “cowards”.
Speaking in Zulu, Zuma said he has seen it all in his “revolutionary life”.
“When I was growing up my parents told me not to trust a person but rather a rock.
“I have seen that when your own friend would turn against you. Those who are doing it think I will be hurt but I am used to it,” said Zuma without mentioning names.
“I have spent 60 years in the ANC. I have seen those who came to the ANC being taught politics but they are useless.”
On growing persistent calls that he should step down, Zuma said he was prepared to but only if he was asked to do so by the ANC.
He said he would leave with a happy heart and go serve the movement at the branch level.
Zuma also lashed out at opposition parties who marched against him, saying they can’t debate issues.
“All they are saying is that Zuma must go. But when you try to find out why, they can’t tell you.” On the issue of land, Zuma said land was cause of inequality in the country.
“The ANC is not saying that there should land expropriation without compensation. It should be done properly and within the law.”