Former president Jacob Zuma is the newly elected president of Sanco. Photo: Daily Sun
- The SA National Civic Organization in KwaZulu-Natal has elected former President Jacob Zuma as its Chairman.
- Delegates viewed Zuma as a member who aligns with the values and principles of the organization.
- However, Sanco’s general secretary, Robbie Tsikwe, told News24 that they were unaware of the conference in the province and had no knowledge of Zuma’s appointment.
The South African National Civic Organization (Sanco) in KwaZulu-Natal elected former President Jacob Zuma as its chairman on Friday.
According to the newly appointed treasurer, Thulani Gamede, Zuma was seen by Sanco delegates as a member who aligns with the organization’s values and principles.
“Some of these values are economic transformation and educational transformation,” added Gamede.
“We specifically wanted him to share his wise knowledge with the rest of our people. We believe he will achieve transformation and also share his knowledge with those who will come after him.”
Zuma was elected during the organization’s provincial conference in Durban.
Gamede described Zuma as a member who has extensive knowledge of the province’s struggles, adding that they believe he played a role in defusing some of the political tension there.
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“Your age does not limit your ability to perform your duties. Therefore, our election is the final step, to indicate that you can still play a role in building the country.”
Meanwhile, Sanco’s general secretary, Robbie Tsikwe, told News24 that the organization was unaware of the conference in KwaZulu-Natal and was unaware of Zuma’s new appointment.
Tsikwe said:
They never told me about the conference that was held in KZN. According to our rules, if the province wants to hold a conference, it must inform the higher structures, and in this case it was not done.
He added that they were also unaware of the person chairing the conference.
However, Gamede said the organization had experienced some challenges in 2018, when some members appointed themselves as Sanco leaders.
Two fiercely opposed groups in Sanco have been fighting for power and recognition for many years, the City Press reported.
“Then we went to the court, where the court told us that we should continue with the conference, and our secretary general is now Richard Mkhungo, and the president [is] Mathaba Leeto,” Gamede said.
The newly elected leadership of the KwaZulu-Natal Sanco is as follows:
- President: Jacob Zuma
- Vice President: Bheki Mlotshwa
- Provincial Secretary: Richard Mkhungo
- Deputy Secretary: Lucky Hadebe
- Treasurer: Thulani Gamede
- Organizer: Zelda Sikhosana
