Delegates divided at ANC conference in Polokwane

By Henry Booysen
17 December 2007

At the 52nd African National Congress national conference in Polokwane, tensions are flaring as the camps of President Thabo Mbeki and party deputy president Jacob Zuma is causing chaos.

The conference, which has been disrupted due to delays and disputes, enters its second day today as the nominations and voting process draws nearer.

President Thabo Mbeki, who delivered a two hour address, was welcomed with a cold shoulder as Zuma supporters sang Zuma's trademark “Umshini Wam” (Bring my machine gun) song after the address was delivered.

iol.co.za News Editor Juanita Williams reports from the conference that proceedings have not been going smoothly, saying that the president was humiliated during his political report, and chairperson of the party Mosiuoa Lekota was boo-ed off the stage.

“Today, finally the Mbeki supporters have come out and decided to openly say that they are in support of Mbeki as the president of the ANC,” says Williams, alluding to the fact that Zuma's supporters have been wearing "100% Zuluboy" T-shirts and bearing banners of their candidates face.

Meanwhile, political analysts have added their bit by stating that the chances of Jacob Zuma becoming part presidents are likely.

“When it comes to choosing the new ANC leader, all the reports suggest that those who support Zuma are doing it in protest style, as opposed to Mbeki’s, and that is something to look forward to,” says Professor Keith Gottschalk from the department of political studies of the University of the Western Cape.

It is believed that the conference, which was expected to close on Friday, will be extended until Sunday.