President Jacob Zuma waves at onlookers before the unveiling of a statue of OR Tambo in the International Arrivals terminal of OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on 19 October 2017. Today marked the unveiling of a statue in honour of the struggle icon by President Jacob Zuma. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia
Relief and joy are what President Jacob Zuma is experiencing as his term comes to an end in December.
Though he will be making way for a new leader to head up the ruling party, he is expected to remain the country’s president until that term expires in 2019.
While addressing a group of people from various ANC branches on the West Rand township of Kagiso, Zuma said he was quite happy to pass the baton to the next leader.
“I will have time to talk to branches in whatever way I want. I am very happy that I am leaving my position in December,” he said.
“Some used this opportunity to attack the organisation and other leaders. They acted like they knew Tambo, some even said there is no longer a good leadership in the party.”
According to News24, he said he was particularly looking forward to being able to respond to insults and negative comments from people. As ANC president, he had to put his stature first and keep quiet at times.
“As a president, I have to uphold the values of the ANC. I have to maintain a certain standard, but after December, when someone insults me, I will have an opportunity to talk back. At conferences, I will be an ordinary delegate like everyone else.”
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