Elected president
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress wins the country’s election. The ANC receives 65.9% of the vote, the Democratic Alliance 16.66% and the Congress of the People (COPE) – formed by ANC dissidents – 7.42%. The turnout is 77.30%. but the result falls just short of the two-thirds majority needed to make unchallenged changes to the constitution. Zuma claims victory and the outcome is welcomed by ministers in neighboring Zimbabwe as intensifying pressure on President Robert Mugabe.
Elected ANC president
Zuma is elected president of the African National Congress at the party’s conference in Polokwane. Mbeki receives 1,505 votes to Zuma’s 2,329. As the announcement of each position is announced, thousands of delegates blow whistles, dance on tables and chairs, and sing and cheer—despite being asked to wait until after the announcement before applauding. Later the celebrations continue with fireworks.
Elected Deputy President ANC
Zuma is elected deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC) at the national conference held in Mafikeng.
Elected national chairperson
Zuma is elected National Chairperson of the ANC and Chairperson of the ANC in Natal. An exception is made in the ANC constitution to allow him to hold both positions. A move that is called The Zuma Clause.
Joins ANC
Heavily influenced by a trade unionist family member, Zuma becomes involved in politics at an early age and joins the African National Congress.