Zuma on track to succeed Mbeki as ANC leader

SOUTH AFRICA’S ruling ANC, torn by the worst rift in its history, yesterday began a conference expected to put controversial politician Jacob Zuma on track to become the country’s next president.

A bitter struggle between supporters of Mr Zuma and current South African President Thabo Mbeki for leadership of the party has divided the previously monolithic ANC, which has led Africa’s biggest economy since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Reflecting the concern of party veterans, Nelson Mandela told delegates: “Of course it saddens us to see and hear of the nature of the differences currently in the organisation.”