LIMPOPO – Zuma assured the more than 5 000 people at the event that he would lead the ANC until his term lapses by the party’s elective conference in December.
The event was scheduled to begin at 08:00 but Zuma, who was expected to deliver the keynote address only arrived by mid-day, saying he had had to deal with “a number of pertinent things from my office”.
He said he doesn’t regret his contentious reshuffling decision, in which nine ministers, including Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas were replaced.
“There will always be those who would oppose decisions I take, in spite of the fact that my decisions are informed by policy and the Constitution of South Africa,” said Zuma to the much-delighted audience which relished his words by thunderous applause.
Held at the Xikundu sports ground, situated 15 km away from Malamulele at the foot of the Kruger National Park, the unveiling was attended by among others, ANC Treasurer-General Zweli Mkhize, Cooperative Governance Minister Des van Rooyen, Limpopo Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, MP Brian Molefe, newly appointed Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi and a host of MECs, paramount chiefs and renown religious leaders from all walks of life.
Chabane was minister in the office of the presidency responsible for monitoring and evaluation until his death in a vehicle accident on 15 March 2005.
Delivering his address, Zuma described Chabane as an articulate and fearless cadre who knew the politics of the ANC inside out. He said Chabane was one of the active members of the Warriors 7.
He said Chabane was known as an active member of the ANC from a young age and a fearless cadre who served as an adviser and a shoulder to cry on during the struggles that brought about freedom in South Africa.
Zuma commended Chabane’s wife for having raised the Chabane children well even after the death of their father. Zuma described Chabane’s wife, Mavis as the glue that still holds the Chabane dynasty together.
“I can see that Chabane made a good choice for marrying the sassy Mavis as his wife. She has been through thick and thin since the death of her husband and I believe under her stewardship, the Chabane family has a great future,” he added.
Zuma further took a swipe at those using the names of late ANC struggle veterans to further their political agendas.
“I would like to commend the people of Limpopo for not using Chabane’s name to score cheap political points. Chabane has worked so much for the people of Limpopo and the country at large and his name has to be respected,” said the president.
Zuma pulled no punches when he condemned ANC members and supporters for using memorial services and funerals as platforms to woo support in their political advancements. He said the practice was un-ANC and has to be stopped.
Mavis Chabane spoke of how she misses the comfort and guidance of her husband and the leadership that he led in the family and in the country. She described him as a true committed community worker, a father and a good husband.
But Zuma could face an uphill battle today when a march, organised by opposition parties, takes place in Pretoria.
On Monday, another vote of no confidence motion will be brought in parliament, in a bid to remove the president.
The ANC occupies 249 of the 400 seats in the national assembly while opposition parties share the remainder.
According to Section 102 of the Constitution, opposition parties would need 200 plus one vote to proceed with the motion.
