Zuma 'will never fail the people'

Nothing will stop African National Congress president Jacob Zuma from becoming the next president of South Africa, the party’s KwaZulu-Natal secretary Johan Mchunu said on Saturday.

He was speaking at a beachfront celebration in Zuma’s honour in Durban.

Zuma did not attend the celebration and was thought to be resting at his home in Nkandla.

Zuma cancelled a visit to Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma earlier on Saturday and was reportedly tired after arriving back from the party’s conference in Polokwane.

“He is a tried and tested leader and will never fail the people. He is a man of honour and integrity and he will be one of the best presidents for the country,” Mchunu said.

The beachfront celebration was attended by, among others, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad, KwaZulu-Natal Premier S’bu Ndebele, provincial transport minister Bheki Cele, and Durban mayor Obed Mlaba.

“We just have to celebrate before Christmas because this is our victory,” said Mlaba.

Mlaba said the event reminded him of the formation of the ANC and the election of its first president Dr John Langalibalele Dube—a liberator, activist and a man of his people.

“Zuma is like Dube.

He is a man who is concerned about development, he is very passionate about education and hopefully he will be the next president,” said Mlaba.

By late afternoon, the party was in full swing with ANC delegates—most of them sporting ANC T-shirts and shorts—dancing and watching Zulu dancers.

Mchunu stressed that the celebration was also to thank ANC supporters for believing in Zuma. - Sapa