He received 2,983 votes against Kgalema Motlanthe’s 991.
Cyril Ramaphosa won the vote to become the party’s Deputy President.
The millionaire businessman received 3,018 votes against Tokyo Sexwale’s 463 and Mathews Phosa’s 470.
Zuma’s win at the ANC elective conference tees him up for another seven years as head of state.
The more than 4,000 ANC delegates crammed into a marquee in Bloemfontein erupted into wild cheers when Zuma was confirmed in the top party post. A beaming Zuma then walked on stage to shake hands with his colleagues and members of the party’s election commission.
More results:
Gwede Mantashe will retain his position as secretary-general of the African National Congress. He was re-elected with 3,058 votes. He defeated Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, who got 901 votes.
KwaZulu-Natal ANC chairman Zweli Mkhize will take over the position of party treasurer general from Mathews Phosa. Mkhize got 2,988 votes. He defeated Gauteng ANC chairman Paul Mashatile, who got 961 votes.
Jessie Duarte has been elected deputy secretary-general. She stood for the position uncontested after the incumbent, Thandi Modise, withdrew her candidacy on Monday.
Baleka Mbete retains her position as ANC chairwoman. She received 3,010 votes. Current deputy secretary-general Thandi Modise was the other candidate, but only received 939 votes.
Various leading political commentators we spoke to believe Zuma’s retention would unify the movement which has been plagued by unrest, killings of members, discipline, corruption etc…
Some even suggested Motlanthe should call it quits and bow out gracefully for the sake of embarrassment.
Ululations, camaraderie and palpable excitement could be heard throughout Mangaung CBD as cars sped in jubilation and Zuma’s supporters affirmed the popular second term sign.
