South Africa’s ANC picks Zuma successor

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress is to hold an election to replace Jacob Zuma as party leader in a closely fought contest whose winner is likely to emerge as the nation’s next president

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, 65
Deputy president and former trade union leader is one of South Africa’s richest people with net worth of about $450 million
Played important role in negotiations to end apartheid and in drafting of South Africa’s progressive 1996 constitution
Has pledged to fight corruption and revive ailing economy which is grappling with 28% unemployment
Supported by diverse group of labour unions, communists and ANC members disillusioned with President Jacob Zuma


NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA, 68
Former minister and chairwoman of African Union Commission has served in cabinets of every president in post-apartheid era
Married to President Zuma for 16 years before divorcing him in 1998, has four children by him
Favours ANC policy for “radical economic transformation” to redistribute wealth
to black majority
Backed by ANC’s youth and women’s leagues, as well as by Zuma and provincial party leaders close to him

Sources: Reuters, BBC, FT Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS