Zuma defends his record at ANC congress in South Africa

South African President Jacob Zuma has defended his record at the opening of the African National Congress (ANC) conference at which his position is being challenged.

His deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe, is contesting the party leadership.

But one of South Africa's richest businessmen, Cyril Ramaphosa, lent his support to Mr Zuma by standing for the deputy leadership of the ANC.

Mr Ramaphosa played a key role in the transition to black-majority rule.

He was the pre-eminent union leader in the dying days of apartheid and negotiated the end of white rule.

But after losing out to Thabo Mbeki in the race to succeed Nelson Mandela as president, he turned to business, and created the Shanduka Group of industries.
ANC delegates arrive in Manguang, Bloemfontein South Africa (15 Dec 2012) Some 5,000 delegates will be able to vote in the leadership contest

The return to politics of Mr Ramaphosa will be a boost to Mr Zuma, analysts say. The president has been accused of financial impropriety and failure to address South Africa's economic woes.

In his opening address to the congress in Manguang, where the ANC was formed a century ago, Mr Zuma said the country was now ready to "move into the second phase in which we will focus on achieving meaningful socio-economic freedom".

Speaking in a huge, hot tent packed with delegates, Mr Zuma laid out the achievements of the ANC since he was elected at the last conference five years ago.

He addressed those who criticise his failure to lower unemployment and boost growth head on.BBC