SOUTH AFRICA: South African's willing to give newly elected ANC President Zuma a chance, reax

Record ID: 454467

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: South African's willing to give newly elected ANC President Zuma a chance, reax
  • Date: 19th December 2007
  • Summary: MORE OF NEWSPAPER HEADLINES ON ZUMA'S WIN
  • Embargoed: 3rd January 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA25SPRH4LEFZW58ZC59SXLHGX8
  • Story Text: South Africa's ruling African National Congress elected Jacob Zuma as its new leader on Tuesday (December 19) ousting President Thabo Mbeki, and putting the populist politician on course to lead the country in 2009.
    The African National Congress dominates South African politics, so Zuma is almost certain to become head of state when his ousted ANC rival, Thabo Mbeki, has to step down as president in 2009.
    Zuma's win on Tuesday raises the question of whether Mbeki will become a lame duck president, paralysing decision-making because the country's two most powerful posts will be split between rivals once united in the fight against apartheid.
    Adding to the uncertainty, Zuma could face revived corruption charges in an arms scandal, raising the possibility that he could be jailed before he succeeds to the presidency.
    Some analysts had raised concerns Zuma would tilt Africa's largest economy to the left, although he has tried to reassure investors. Mbeki took a pro-business stance and the economy has registered its longest period of growth in the past nine years.
    Market reaction to Zuma's win was muted. The rand was about two cents firmer, trading at 6.8999 against the dollar two hours after the results were released.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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