Appointed Deputy President South Africa
Mbeki appoints Zuma Deputy President of South Africa.
Dismissed as deputy
President Mbeki dismisses his deputy Zuma. Mbeki:
In the interest of the honourable deputy president, the government, our young democratic system and our country, it would be best to release the honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities as deputy president of the republic and member of the cabinet.
Zuma:
I believe he has taken this decision not because he believes I am guilty of any crime but because of considerations relating to the constraints within which government operates.
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.