ANC head honchos go to meet the Zulu king

Given overnight weakness of KZN in the ANC, Cyril mends fences

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has thanked Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini for bringing together the province’s rival leaders, Sihle Zikalala and Senzo Mchunu, in a bid to broker a peace deal.

Ramaphosa and other party officials met the Zulu king at his palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal, yesterday as part of a series of events in the run-up to the party’s birthday celebrations on Saturday.

“We want to thank you that you are initiating this process of unity by bringing these leaders together. It is pleasing for us to see most of our leaders here in KZN brought together under your auspices where we are able to begin this process of unity that we so dearly need,” Ramaphosa said.

ANC KZN secretary Super Zuma and his deputy, Willies Mchunu, were also present

The provincial executive committee (PEC), led by Zikalala, has been locked in a bitter court battle with former chairperson Mchunu’s supporters. Mchunu lost the chair post to Zikalala in 2015, but the high court ruled that Zikalala’s PEC was null and void.

Ramaphosa briefed the king about the ANC’s December conference and introduced him to newly elected ANC officials, including the party’s new deputy, David Mabuza, secretary-general Ace Magashule, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe and treasurer-general Paul Mashatile.

ANC national executive committee (NEC) members, including Malusi Gigaba, Bathabile Dlamini, Bheki Cele and Mchunu, also attended the meeting.

Ramaphosa said that following the conference and election, members made a clear statement that they wanted a united leadership.

Ramaphosa assured the king that party leaders were going to work hard to ensure they recalibrate the ANC so that it can deal with challenges such as reducing unemployment, alleviating poverty and reducing inequality.

“Delegates at the conference chose leadership that combines various approaches, views and grouping within our movement. The leadership before you is a unity leadership that is meant to unite our organisation and make it strong,” said Ramaphosa.

Zwelithini echoed Ramaphosa, saying it was important for the ANC to remain united as the leaders of South Africa. The king also denounced tribalism.

Ramaphosa presented the king with three African longhorned Ankole-Watusi cattle.

There were reports that the recall of President Jacob Zuma might be discussed with the king, given that the party’s first NEC meeting will be held on Wednesday.

Magashule would not discuss the matter. He said the agenda of the Wednesday meeting was a confidential ANC issue.

“The purpose of this visit is to inform the king that we are renewing and reviving the ANC,” Magashule said.

Ramaphosa also led the party officials on visits to the graves of former ANC presidents Josiah Gumede, John Langalibalele Dube and Inkosi Albert Luthuli.

Magashule said the NEC agenda was confidential.