ADVERTISEMENT

Union federation backs Ramaphosa for power

Zuma has shrugged off growing calls to step down after a series of corruption scandals and weakening economic data.

Cyril Ramaphosa has won the support of Cosatu, the biggest union federation, to be the ANC party's next leader

The African National Congress (ANC), which is currently headed by scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma, is due to choose its new leader in December next year.

The party leader becomes its automatic presidential candidate in the next general elections, with the ANC still the strong favourite to win the 2019 vote despite a fall in nationwide popularity.

Cosatu general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali said it had "resolved to support and lobby" for Ramaphosa, a former anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist who helped negotiate the end of white-minority rule in 1994.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 64-year-old made a failed bid to succeed Nelson Mandela as president in 1999, before becoming a wealthy businessman and then returning to politics.

Cosatu does not have voting power in the ANC, but boasts over a million members.

"We shall work to lobby and influence the ANC structures to support comrade Cyril Ramaphosa," said Ntshalintshali.

Among the other names in the running to succeed Zuma are African Union Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who is Zuma's ex-wife, and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize.

Two weeks ago, he survived a motion of no confidence after a public watchdog raised accusations over his relationship with the Guptas, a business family accused of wielding undue political influence.

ADVERTISEMENT

Zuma's presidential term expires in 2019.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT