Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Interim Prez Takes Reins in South Africa

Motlanthe viewed as able to ease tensions within ruling party

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Sep 25, 2008 11:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – Kgalema Motlanthe was sworn in as South Africa’s caretaker president today after winning three-quarters of a parliamentary ballot, the BBC reports. The left-leaning intellectual is seen as someone who can ease rifts between supporters of Jacob Zuma, head of the African National Congress party head, and former President Thabo Mbeki.

Imprisoned with Nelson Mandela during apartheid, Motlanthe was influenced by revolutionary ideology and served as an activist and ANC soldier, the Guardian notes. The Zuma ally risked his political reputation to defend the party leader against corruption allegations from Mbeki, but was appointed minister by the ex-president. A local paper describes him as "calm, respected, and trust-inspiring."

Jacob Zuma was at Parliament in Cape Town to attend a special sitting to elect a new president.
Jacob Zuma was at Parliament in Cape Town to attend a special sitting to elect a new president.   (AP Photo)
Kgalema  Motlanthe is sworn in.
Kgalema Motlanthe is sworn in.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Finance Minster Trevor Manuel, left, will continue in his post, though he offered to resign.
Finance Minster Trevor Manuel, left, will continue in his post, though he offered to resign.   (AP Photo/Nic Bothma, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Zulus Urged to Switch to Fake Fur

Michelle Obama, Girls Visit Nelson Mandela

Mandela Discharged From Hospital

'Routine' Mandela Hospitalization Spawns Frenzy

South Africa Floods Kill 39


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne