The star Online
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
November 13, 2006 Edition 3
GREG DARDAGAN
Jacob Zuma will not be the next president of South Africa, according to former president F W de Klerk.
"Personally I don't lose sleep over who will become president. I believe the ANC's internal democratic process will ensure Mr Zuma does not become leader of the party - and of course there are still possible court processes, which I don't want to comment on," said De Klerk, who was speaking after he had addressed a gathering of the KwaZulu Natal Hellenic Association in Durban North.
"I think Mr Zuma's reputation has been damaged to such an extent that it would not be a good thing if he became the leader of the ANC, or if serious consideration was given to him assuming that position."
De Klerk lauded the formal recognition former president P W Botha's death was given by President Thabo Mbeki and the ANC. "PW was an important initiator of reform and brought about fundamental constitutional changes. Mr Mbeki's attitude serves the cause of reconciliation and I support that fully," he said.
Discussing a possible split in the ANC, De Klerk said he foresaw a realignment of political forces in South Africa, with the best-case scenario being a moderate alliance which would prevent the Left from destabilising South Africa and undoing all that had been achieved in the past 10 years.