Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 01-07-2017
President Jacob Zuma has lashed out at his detractors and for those calling for him to step down saying they are impotent in themselves and only the ANC branches have the power to hire and fire him.
Zuma was addressing more than three thousand delegates on the opening day of the African National Congress (ANC) 5th National Policy Conference at NASREC in Soweto yesterday.
The president has faced a number of calls for him to step down including from late struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, and two members from the national executive committee (NEC), Derek Hannekom and Joel Netshitenzhe last November and in May this year.
Zuma says only the branches have the power to remove him.
“You elect a president and some people, who have no right tell you this president must go. They don’t consult you and you guys just keep silent.”
Zuma also attacked members of the MK Veterans Council and the 101 Veterans Group who have lamented the state of the ANC’s leadership saying “they weren’t as strong as they portray themselves.”
Yesterday ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe said support for the ruling party has been on an accelerated decline, emphasizing the need for unity during this difficult time.
Mantashe discussed details of his diagnostic organizational report at a briefing on last night after presenting it to delegates on the first day of the policy conference.
According to his report, there’s been a decline in support between the general elections in 2014 and local government elections in 2016.
Mantashe says some of these issues relate to growing mistrust, the recent Cabinet reshuffle and spy tapes judgement, among others.
– Mail & Guardian
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