Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 12, 2008

New ANC President Zuma Appeals for Unity; Gives First Speech as Party
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1AE4F6B:A6F02AD83191E160326217C8682045E0F47489ACC27D21EE& ANC officials have
announced Zuma will be party's candidate in presidential election next
year





Jacob Zuma (File)

South Africa's ruling African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma
stressed the importance of party unity Saturday in a speech at the
organization's 96th anniversary celebration.

It was Zuma's first public address since toppling President Thabo
Mbeki in a bitter campaign to head the ANC and attempt to succeed
Mbeki as head of state in 2009. Mr. Mbeki can not run for a third term
as the nation's president.

In his speech at a football stadium near Pretoria, the 65-year-old
Zuma said one of his priorities will be to lower the nation's
estimated 40 percent unemployment rate.

Corruption, money laundering, racketeering and fraud charges were
brought against Zuma last month, after his successful ANC election.
Party officials say they believe the charges are politically
motivated.

There is a possibility Zuma will be on trial while he is running for
president.

The ANC has dominated national politics in South Africa since the end
of apartheid 14 years ago.

Zuma was dismissed as South Africa's deputy president two years ago
after his financial counselor was convicted of soliciting bribes from
a French manufacturer involved in an arms deal. He maintains his
innocence, but says he will step down if found guilty.Some information
for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


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