Former President De Klerk Reflects on Zuma Victory

The election of Jacob Zuma as African National Congress president is of historic importance, former state president FW de Klerk said on Tuesday.

"The decision is of historic importance to South Africa since it will have a major impact on the leadership of the country for the next five to twelve years," De Klerk said a statement.

"The key to success will be our ability to abide by the Constitution and the national accord that it represents."

Zuma took over the leadership of the African National Congress from Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday night by beating him with 2 329 against 1 505 votes in their race for the party presidency.

The result was announced to ANC delegates at the party's national conference in Polokwane, Limpopo.

De Klerk welcomed a commitment that Zuma made last week to "uphold our Constitution and ensure that organs of state do not abuse our rights".

De Klerk voiced agreement with a statement by Zuma that some should not have more rights than others in South Africa.

Zuma's undertaking to maintain the country's macro-economic policies was also to be welcomed.

De Klerk added: "Mbeki's place in history is assured: it rests firmly on thirteen years of economic and social progress; the consolidation of our constitutional democracy and the promotion of peace, unity and human dignity in Africa." - Sapa