S Africa's Zuma calls for unity
Mr Zuma has been nominated as the ruling party's presidential candidate
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Saturday, 12, Jan 2008 01:00
The leader of South Africa's ruling party, Jacob Zuma, has called for unity in his first speech as head of the African National Congress (ANC).
Mr Zuma defeated incumbent president Thabo Mbeki in elections to nominate the head of the ANC, which has been ruling the country since the end of apartheid.
The ANC has already nominated Mr Zuma as its presidential candidate for upcoming elections, meaning rival Mr Mbeki will not be able to seek another term as leader of the African country.
Speaking to supporters at a rally, Mr Zuma, who will stand trial for corruption allegations that his supporters accuse Mr Mbeki of instigating, said ANC leaders had a responsibility to insure "smooth working relations".
He added: "ANC members outside of government will now be allowed to undermine the government. Equally those deployed in government cannot undermine those working in the ANC."
In his speech, he praised the government's policies for ensuring economic growth but stated that income inequality was also on the rise. Mr Zuma also called for greater measures to lower the cost of providing healthcare and to lower unemployment.
Mr Zuma has said he will fight corruption allegations over his involvement in an arms procurement deal in 1999.