Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.co.za
17 December 2022 | 14:00 PM CAT
3 min read

Photo Credit: SAPeople.com

Today, a jubilant Dr Zamani Saul, Northern Cape Premier and Chair of the ANC Northern Cape, spoke to Maulana Sulaimaan Ravat on Radio Islam International at the ANC National Conference at NASREC.

Saul expressed some disappointment regarding the conference delay on the first day, saying that he expected technical glitches but not at the level he experienced yesterday.

After a shaky and rowdy start with heckling from the mostly KZN members during the President’s speech, the conference resumed. Dr Saul condemned the disruptive members and their behaviour toward a sitting President of the African National Congress.

“It’s ill-discipline, and no self-respecting organisation can tolerate that, and we condemn that in the strongest possible terms.”

He further stated that the heckling worked in favour of Ramaphosa, who was supported by all provinces except Kwazulu Natal and added that it also did irreparable damage to Dr Zweli Mkhize’s campaign as even those who were sympathetic toward him found the behaviour unacceptable and incorrigible.

Saul lauded the President on his handling of the situation and added with conviction that Ramaphosa would retain the position of the Presidency of the ANC.

“Did not get upset, did not get worked up by that behaviour and focused on the task at hand. Those are extraordinary leadership qualities.”

He informed listeners that the voting would go ahead late on Saturday night after the relevant processes were completed.

Some ANC members have concerns regarding the electoral process, saying there is a conflict of interest and are calling for the process to be done manually to ensure no manipulation occurs.

Saul called this a “diversionary tactic” by former Secretary General of the ANC, Ace Magashule. He explained that the process was well monitored and observed by provisional leaders and that Magashule knew he was ineffective for the conference.

On the issue of the private prosecution by Jacob Zuma against President Cyril Ramaphosa, Saul called it “absolute nonsense” as a certificate was required from the NPA to prosecute an individual, which was not provided privately, and the NPA did no investigation. He called any lawyer, advising Jacob Zuma, “an imbecile.”

On the disruption caused by Jacob Zuma during the President’s speech, Saul says that Zuma should have arrived earlier so that he wouldn’t disrupt proceedings.

Saul agreed that the Phala Phala incident was unfortunate but that the President must be held accountable properly. He referred to the independent report on the incident as contradictory, grammatically flawed and hastily done and described it as “the flimsiest report I have ever read.”

He added that there should be an investigation into the appointment of the panel, which is believed to be dubious. He further explained that the panel had ties with people who wanted Ramaphosa removed from the President. To back up his statement, he referred to Justice Ngcobo’s term in office being extended by Jacob Zuma during his presidency, which was unconstitutional.

Speaking on Ramaphosa wanting to resign after the report found against him, Saul emphatically stated that he advised the President to fight and not cave in.

“Such a nonsense report, you cave in as a president, that’s what I told him. There’s absolutely no way he can cave in.”

Listen to the interview here.