ANC re-elects Zuma as leader
December 18, 2012![[35746105] South Africa 53rd ANC National Conference epa03510886 South African President Jacob Zuma speaks during the 53rd ANC National Conference held in Mangaung, South Africa, 16 December 2012. The conference, held every five years, will decide the leader of the former struggle party. Jacob Zuma is facing a challenge to his leadership from deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe. EPA/KIM LUDBROOK +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++](/dw.static/image/16458368_1004.webp "[35746105] South Africa 53rd ANC National Conference epa03510886 South African President Jacob Zuma speaks during the 53rd ANC National Conference held in Mangaung, South Africa, 16 December 2012. The conference, held every five years, will decide the leader of the former struggle party. Jacob Zuma is facing a challenge to his leadership from deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe. EPA/KIM LUDBROOK +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++")
President Zuma was re-elected Tuesday as the head of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) political party. ANC delegates also chose Cyril Ramaphosa as Zuma's new deputy.
Ramaphosa, an anti-apartheid union leader who is now South Africa's second-richest black businessman, is seen as broadly favorable to business and investment.
About 4,000 delegates gathered for the ANC's Mangaung conference and leadership vote. Zuma beat out his deputy and challenger Kgalema Motlanthe for the title. The 70-year-old Zuma had been considered the favorite to win despite being dogged by corruption allegations.
Whoever the ANC chooses to be the party leader will likely win South Africa's presidential election in 2014, as opposition parties don't have nearly the same level of support.
Despite its popularity the ANC has faced growing criticism over its economic policies, the level of poverty in the country, and allegations of corruption.
Zuma was first elected as party leader in 2007 and as the South African president in 2009.
hc/dr (Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa)