ANC elect Zuma as leader
Jacob Zuma, a populist whose political career survived rape and corruption charges, was elected leader of the governing African National Congress today.
His win follows one of the most divisive campaigns the party has seen, but Mr Zuma moves into position to become South Africa’s president.
Mr Zuma had rallied ANC members who wanted a change from Thabo Mbeki, who guided post-apartheid South Africa to sustained economic growth over the past few years, but has been accused of moving too slowly to lift millions out of poverty.
Mr Zuma received 2,329 votes, ahead of Mr Mbeki’s 1,505 votes.
Chaos erupted in the hall as the results were announced, then Mr Mbeki and Mr Zuma mounted the stage together and embraced.
