The ANC has lost its dominance in the Eastern Cape: in provincial elections yesterday the party won only 3 of 27 seats.  COPE picked up 10 seats, the DA 9.  It looks like the presidential elections next year will be a tough race, which may be one reason why Zuma has made an effort to remove his foot from his mouth.  The ANC President is steering clear of controversy, Business Day reports.

After a series of controversial comments, including a suggestion that teenage girls who had fallen pregnant should be sent to faraway schools, it is understood that Zuma has been advised not to speak against the country’s human rights culture.

After a period of relative quiet, Zuma almost made a slip during a meeting of traditional leaders and informal sector workers at Qamata Great Place in Eastern Cape yesterday. Speaking on the effect of crime on the community, he seemingly stopped just short of advocating mob justice.

“I nearly said something that I was not supposed to say … and they are here (the media),” Zuma said jokingly.

But later yesterday afternoon, during a mass rally at the Cofimvaba stadium, Zuma could not help but rehash an attack on the Congress of the People (COPE).

He repeated the story of a “lucky donkey” on whose back Jesus Christ rode through the streets of Jerusalem. Zuma said when the people cheered, the donkey thought they were cheering for him, but the animal was mistaken.

“What I mean is that while you are still a leader in the ANC, you are great person but once you leave, you are nobody,” Zuma also said.

The article is here.