Zuma arrives at Alliance Summit

Zuma says the tripartite alliance must put aside all tensions and mistrust

The ANC President Jacob Zuma has arrived at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg for the much anticipated Alliance Summit between the ruling party, Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), South African Communist Party (SACP) and South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco).

Zuma is expected to deliver the opening address, followed by a speech from Cosatu's General Secretary Zwelenzima Vavi and SACP leader Blade Nzimande.

ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe also arrived at the venue flanked by SACP chairperson and ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe.

They arrived shortly after businessman and newly elected ANC National Executive Committee member Tokyo Sexwale.

Also seen filing into the hall were Gauteng Finance MEC Paul Mashatile, and SACP Deputy General Secretary Jeremy Cronin.

The three-day meeting is aimed at forging closer ties between the alliance partners. The opening session is expected to start shortly, after almost an hour's delay. - Additional reporting by Sapa