Zuma appeals for unity

Newly elected African National Congress President Jacob Zuma today called for unity in his first keynote speech since taking over the reins of the party from President Thabo Mbeki, amid allegations of corruption and growing political tension.

Mr Zuma addressed a crowd of about 20,000 people today at a celebration of the governing party’s 96th anniversary in Atteridgeville, near the capital, Pretoria. Mr Mbeki, Mr Zuma’s chief political rival, was not in attendance.