Zuma - the new name in South African politics

The Africa News.Net
Tuesday 18th December, 2007

Jacob Zuma has been announced as the new leader of South Africa's ruling ANC party.

After a large group of his supporters demonstrated against his opponent outside the congress in the northern city of Polokwane, Mr Zuma won with twenty-three hundred votes.

His opponent, current leader and South African President Thabo Mbeki, received fifteen hundred votes.

The Zuma victory means he will be likely to become president of South Africa in 2009.

Jacob Zuma is a controversial figure in South Africa due to his involvement in fraud and rape cases.

In the political world, uncertainty over his policies and his strong left-wing backing have caused concern among many investors.

Markets fear Mr Zuma could reverse Mr Mbeki's centrist policies, which have fuelled the longest period of growth in South Africa.

Nevertheless, he has a huge support base and is popular amongst the general public.

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