S. Africa's Ramaphosa calls for end to ANC infighting

CAPE TOWN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Newly elected African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday called for an end to infighting within the party.

Ramaphosa was speaking as the South Africa's ruling party was preparing to celebrate its 106th anniversary on Saturday in East London, Eastern Cape Province.

"We must end infighting amongst ANC members. We, as the leadership, must be united and we must speak with one voice," Ramaphosa said after visiting the home of late President Nelson Mandela in Qunu.

Ramaphosa took advantege of the visit to stress the importance of strengthening unity within the ANC.

If infighting within the ANC is not put to an end, the country can not move forward, he said.

This was the second time in the past few days that Ramaphosa has called for unity within the ANC.

On January 8, Ramaphosa said the ANC should now rid itself of factionalism after its elective conference in December, at which he was elected ANC president.

"Contestation is now over and the winner was the African National Congress," Ramaphosa said during a visit to KwaZulu-Natal Province, where he faced the strogest opposition in the run-up to the ANC elective conference.

Ramaphosa's repeated calls for ANC unity was seen as an indication that the party was dogged by deep divisions.

The party is reportedly divided over the fate of President Jacob Zuma, with some leaders calling for his removal and others against the move.

A process reportedly has been initiated to persuade Zuma to resign "gracefully."

Newly elected ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule confirmed on Wednesday that Ramaphosa had been meeting and engaging Zuma.

Although Magashule did not disclose the details, the talks were believed to be part of the process of persuading Zuma to resign.

South African MPs are currently deliberating the formulation of rules to regulate the removal of a sitting president.

Once the rules are formulated, a process to impeach Zuma is expected to be initiated.

Parliament said on Wednesday the draft rules would be ready in two weeks' time. Enditem