New Age2.png Branch Support for JZ But Gauteng ANC pulls in different directions on President Peter Ramothwala and Kamogelo Seekoei, The New Age, 13 April 2016 The battle lines over the status of ANC president Jacob Zuma were drawn yesterday with the party's influential provincial structures in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng declaring opposite positions on the recent Constitutional Court judgment related to the Nkandla debacle. The Eastern Cape Mangaung regions also came out in support of Zuma. While accepting Zuma's apology, the ANC in Gauteng appealed to his conscience "to make the right decision" and stopped short of calling for him to step down. The ANC Gauteng provincial executive committee (PEC) on Monday held a special meeting where it resolved that it accepts the public apology of Zuma but, however it, believes that the apology was just the beginning of dealing with the political damage and mistrust caused by the mismanagement of the Nkandla matter. ANC provincial secretary Hope Papo said the PEC believed that the ANC had already paid a price during the 2014 elections due to, among others, the anger of the electorate about the matter. "As the ANC we have to do a deeper introspection and take far-reaching decisions that will repair the damage to our image and continue to enjoy the confidence and trust of our people." The PEC reiterated that the ANC had earned its leadership of society through the struggles and sacrifices of its members and supporters over generations. "It is in that context that our president, comrade Jacob Zuma, should reflect deeply and do the right thing to resolve the unprecedented crisis that the ANC faces. The ANC has never taken the support of our people for granted and was founded to defend and advance the rights of our people," he said. However, yesterday's pronouncement by the Gauteng PEC was not supported by all, according to various sources close to the meeting. The New Age was reliably informed that the ANC youth, women's, veterans leagues and MK Military Veterans Association will be convening a briefing today where they are expected to disassociate their structure from the PEC statement. However, according to a recent report, the province's chairperson, Paul Mashatile, contradicted the statement issued on behalf of his provincial executive committee. In direct contrast to the Gauteng position, the party's KZN and Eastern Cape PECs accepted Zuma's apology unconditionally and affirmed their support of his leadership. KZN provincial secretary Super Zuma said, "We strongly reject with the contempt it deserves the call by our opponents and those within our ranks, including some religious leaders, for the president to step down. This coalition against Zuma has naked intentions to weaken and tarnish the glorious image of the ANC as the leader of the national democratic revolution." Eastern Cape provincial secretary Mlibo Qhoboshiyane said the PEC wholeheartedly endorsed and welcomed the apology of the president of the ANC and of the country. "We accept that the president demonstrated humility and acted in good faith. The apology by the president displays the ANC character of respect and unprecedented courage. "The PEC is vehemently opposed to both conventional and unconventional means to remove Zuma from office. The Eastern Cape will oppose such move as it will simple create a political schism and turmoil," he said. The ANC's powerful Mangaung region in the Free State also threw its support behind Zuma yesterday. The political home that Zuma knows is the ANC and that is where he will remain, Mangaung regional secretary Paseka Nompndo yesterday said as the region met to discuss Zuma, Nkandla, the Constitutional Court ruling and public calls that he resign. "Our president celebrates 74 years today and he has spent his entire life in this party. He knows no home but the ANC," Nompondo said. PEC member and education MEC Tate Makgoe said by attacking Zuma the opposition parties wanted to destroy the ANC. "The attack on Zuma is an attack on the ANC and we must therefore protect the party because those who hate the ANC are now taking advantage of the situation," Makgoe said. ANC MP and former chief whip Mathole Motshekga said the party in Gauteng acted within the recommendation of the ANC national working committee which referred the matter to the structures to deal with through consultation with the branches. "Just because Gauteng needs more than just an apology doesn't mean it is out of line. Other provinces are meeting and discussions are under way on this matter," he said. [email protected] From: http://tnaepaper.co.za/DRIVE/main%20edition/13042016/epaperpdf/1.pdf And: http://tnaepaper.co.za/DRIVE/main%20edition/13042016/epaperpdf/3.pdf -- -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. 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