ANC's Zuma set to preach unity in first keynote speech

PRETORIA, (AFP) The new leader of South Africa's ruling ANC, Jacob Zuma, is set to issue an appeal for unity Saturday in his first keynote speech since a bitter election contest saw him topple his rival Thabo Mbeki.

In an address to mark the African National Congress's 96th birthday, Zuma is likely to stress the "paramount importance" of unity within the ranks of Africa's oldest party, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told reporters on Friday. He will also emphasise the need to do more to alleviate poverty levels.

In his weekend newsletter for the party, Zuma stressed his belief that "the ANC is not divided," and said "healthy debate" should not be misconstrued as a fundamental rift. "There are no fundamental policy differences among any members or leaders of the ANC," wrote Zuma.

"The vibrant debate that is sometimes misconstrued as division is merely differences of opinion on the implementation of our programme of action."

Zuma was elected with the backing of leftist allies such as the Communist party and the main COSATU labour federation who say Mbeki has presided over a widening of the gap between rich and poor with his pro-business policies. Around 20,000 ANC members are expected to attend the birthday celebrations at a football stadium in a township on the outskirts of the capital Pretoria.

It is not clear whether Mbeki, who remains head of state until his second and final term of office expires next year, will attend the ceremony.