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Dissent Stuns S. African President

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By ROBYN DIXON, Los Angeles Times

Published: December 17, 2007

POLOKWANE, South Africa - South African President Thabo Mbeki received a stinging rebuff Sunday from supporters of his bitter rival, Jacob Zuma, in the lead-up to a crucial leadership vote at the national conference of the ruling African National Congress.

Moments after Mbeki's speech, his last chance to win over support, thousands of delegates signaled disapproval by standing and singing Zuma's trademark song, which translates as "Bring Me My Machine Gun."

Mbeki warned the conference delegates that disunity and corruption was threatening to destroy the African National Congress, which is facing the ugliest leadership contest in decades.

"Certain negative and completely unacceptable tendencies have emerged within our movement, which threaten the very survival of the ANC as the trusted servant of the people it has been for 96 years," Mbeki said.

Results of a vote by 6,000 delegates are expected today. Mbeki is barred from seeking re-election when his term as national president expires in 2009, but wants to be re-elected as party president to choose his successor.

Zuma, known as JZ in the party, has emerged as the front-runner in today's vote, and would be Mbeki's likely successor as national president should he win.

Zuma was sacked as deputy president of the country by Mbeki in 2005 over corruption allegations and was acquitted of rape last year. He may still face corruption charges over alleged kickbacks related to a multibillion-dollar arms deal.

In a veiled jibe at his rival, Mbeki said that for some, obtaining a party leadership job was a way to get rich and take kickbacks.

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