http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=2265
Left-wing populist Jacob Zuma has won the leadership of the ruling ANC, lining him up for the presidency of the country but creating deep uncertainty about his policies.
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. “We can anticipate this conflict extending over the next two years. It is going to be particularly precarious when Jacob Zuma gets charged, if he does get charged over the corruption scandal,” said political analyst Adam Habib.
Senior ANC officials said Zuma’s election was unlikely to lead to a shift in economic policy. “At the moment, there are no ideological differences … The policy is in place and intact,” said ANC deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe.
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Politics/0,,2-7-12_2240963,00.html