Jacob Zuma has managed to preserve the African National Congress (ANC) presidency for a second term. The achievement will also put him in line to maintain South Africa’s top job after the 2014 national elections.

Zuma managed to trump over his opposition, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, with a total of 2 983 votes obtained, whilst Motlanthe obtained 991 out of an overall 4 076 votes. National executive committee member Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as deputy president, achieving 3 018 votes, while Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale obtained 463 votes respectively. Ramaphosa’s position places him in line for the presidency once Zuma renounces his position from the ANC in 2017.

After being re-elected and eventually taking to the stage, Zuma adopted a conciliatory tone and appealed for unity. He appealed to delegates to treat each other with respect. “We begin here to advance the fundamental principle of the ANC… Let’s handle each other as comrades,” he said.