Former President Jacob Zuma has been elected as South African National Civic Organisation’s (SANCO) chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal.
The 80-year-old was elected to the position at the civic organisation’s provincial conference in Durban on Friday.
According to the newly appointed treasurer, Thulani Gamede, Sanco delegates saw Zuma as a member who aligns with the organisation’s values and principles.
“Some of these values are the economic transformation and education transformation,” Gamede added.
“We specifically wanted him to share his wise knowledge with the rest of our people. We believe that he will bring about transformation and also share his knowledge with those of us coming after him.”
While concerns have been raised over the former president’s ability to lead Sanco due to his age and health, Gamade said they want Zuma to share the knowledge of the struggles of the province.
“His age does not limit his ability to perform his duties. Therefore, our electing him is the final step, to indicate that he can still play a role in building the country.”
Zuma was arrested for contempt of court in 2021 but only served two months of his sentence, after he was granted medical parole due to his terminal illness.
Meanwhile, Sanco general-secretary Robbie Tsikwe told News24 that the organisation was not aware of the conference in KwaZulu-Natal and had no knowledge of Zuma’s appointment.
Tsikwe said: “I was never told of the conference that was held in KZN. According to our rules, if the province wants to hold a conference, the higher structures should be informed, and in this case, this was not done.”
He added that they also had no knowledge of the person who was presiding over the conference.
Source: News24, The Citizen, Eyewitness News, image from Twitter: @_AfricanSoil
