Zuma going nowhere as ANC accepts his reasons for axing Gordhan
President Jacob Zuma will remain at the helm of the ANC, despite growing calls from inside and outside the party for him to step down.
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Briefing the media following the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, Secretary General Gwede Mantashe said the party accepted President Zuma's explanation for axing Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan during his recent cabinet reshuffle.
He did however admit that the issue of the so-called intelligence report, which was used as a pretext by Zuma to fire Gordhan, "complicated matters".
Three of the ANC's top 6 officials, including Mantashe himself, publicly voiced their disapproval at the reasons given for Gordhan's sacking, as well as the lack of consultation by President Zuma.
"The officials have given the NWC a report on their serious differences. The public outbursts were a mistake," said Mantashe.
Two of the tri-partite alliance members, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and trade union federation Cosatu have also called for President Zuma to step down.
Mantashe said the ANC will reflect on these calls and engage the two parties.
"We will raise out differences with the communists on how they hold a press briefing on sensitive issues."
The NWC also expressed its support for the newly-appointed ministers, including Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, whom Mantashe said would be a great success.
ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte, who was also at the briefing, denied reporters that the party's Integrity Commission wrote a letter to Mantashe, calling for Zuma's resignation.
She did confirm that President Zuma would have another meeting with the Integrity Commission this coming Sunday.