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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Interim Prez Takes Reins in South Africa

Motlanthe viewed as able to ease tensions within ruling party

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(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)
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Motlanthe played key role in ousting Mbeki
Guardian (UK)

Who will be in Motlanthe's cabinet?
News24 (South Africa)


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Africa • South Africa • Thabo Mbeki • apartheid • Nelson Mandela • Jacob Zuma • African National Congress • Kgalema Motlanthe

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