Chidi Samuel || Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected the president of South African Largest Party, the African National Congress, ANC.
He was announced the winner on Monday at the party’s national convention.
David Mabuza was elected vice president.
The country’s deputy president defeated former cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Mr. Zuma’s ex-wife, after a marathon voting process.
Mr. Ramaphosa is in a strong position to become president in 2019 polls.
The leadership battle caused fierce political infighting, raising fears the party may split before the election.
Mr. Ramaphosa defeated Ms. Dlamini-Zuma by 2,440 votes to 2,261, an ANC spokesperson announced.
The result triggered celebrations among party members.
Media reports earlier said the announcement had been delayed after Ms. Dlamini-Zuma’s camp had demanded a recount.
Mr. Ramaphosa, 65, has spoken out strongly against state corruption and has the backing of the business community.
With agency report