Whether he serves a second term as president of the ANC is a decision left to the party, President Jacob Zuma told the South African Broadcasting Corporation on Friday.
”Whether the term is one or two, that is determined by the ANC. The ANC will say what happens,” said the president.
On Thursday, Congress of South African Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said Zuma would serve two terms as ANC president.
”We know the president said only one term, but we have engaged with him,” Vavi said.
”It is no longer on the table. He will run two full terms.”
Vavi was speaking to reporters after a meeting of Cosatu’s central committee. He said the committee had not considered who would succeed Zuma.
”The issue of succession does not even arise. That discussion is not arising in 2012 as far as we are concerned,” said Vavi.
The unions have become increasingly vocal in pushing Zuma for a policy shift to the left, but the government has said there can be no dramatic change while the country suffers its first recession in 17 years.
”The relationship with the ANC remains very, very strong,” said Vavi earlier this week
Zuma also described to the SABC the qualities he thought a potential leader should have.
”I think for me the population must expect a person who understands that he’s been given a task to serve the people and who’s ready to serve the people of this country.
”And who’s ready to listen, is ready to take advice, who’s ready to be led, so that he could lead better,” said Zuma. – Sapa