Rural ANC region uneasy at manner of Zuma’s recall
THE ANC’s Musa Dladla region in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal has slammed “divisive articulations” by some members of the party’s national executive in the lead-up to the recall of President Jacob Zuma.
Regions in the province have been holding branch briefings‚ of which the decision to recall the former president has been explained to branch executives.
Former ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize addressed eThekwini branch leaders in Durban on Sunday‚ while embattled Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane chaired the feedback session in the Nkosi Bambatha region near Greytown.
The Musa Dladla region‚ which includes Nkandla‚ welcomed the upright manner of Zuma’s stepping down.
The ANC national executive last week served Zuma with a letter recalling him and giving him an ultimatum to resign ahead of a vote of no confidence scheduled to take place in the National Assembly.
The regional executive said Zuma’s resignation epitomised high discipline on his part.
“Our branches did raise some strong concerns about the manner in which the transition in the organisation was handled as well as divisive articulations by some national executive members which are contrary to the unity we are advocating to achieve.”
It is understood that the “articulations” refer to a leaked voice note from ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile‚ which came to the fore as desperate negotiations with Zuma were under way.
Addressing investors at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town‚ just hours before Ramaphosa announced the postponement of the national executive meeting that would have decided Zuma’s fate‚ Mashatile had said Zuma would be recalled from office if he did not step down.
A string of events to welcome Zuma home have been scheduled by the interim leadership of KwaZulu-Natal. “As his home region we wish to thank [Zuma] for the continued support his foundation gave to the people of Nkandla during the festive season and we are hopeful that he will continue serving our poor people until his last breath.”