S Africas Zuma controversial but smart: WikiLeaks

Zuma was the subject of a long corruption investigation. Graft charges against him were dropped in April 2009.

U.S. diplomats saw the South African president as adept at political survival and an accomplished political tactician who used his populist support to his advantage.

Throughout the most difficult times of the past few years,Zuma came across as reluctant to draw first blood,only displaying subtle determination to take the fight to his aggressors. This is consistent with a leader that is aware of his own strengths — smart power,the cable said.

But diplomats also raised concern about Zumas ties to the left — the South African Communist Party and labour federation COSATU,which are in a governing alliance with the ANC and helped him rise to power.

His close association with the ideological left of the ANC alliance has raised some worries about the impact on economic policy by close Zuma allies in the SACP and COSATU,the cable said.

Since taking office,Zuma has maintained most of the governments pro-business policies.

Mbeki felt that a Zuma presidency would cause a sea-change in politics.

Mbeki believed that a Zuma presidency would be a disaster for South Africa and would split the ANC.

Mbeki,who drew widespread criticism for failing to tackle an AIDS epidemic in his country,is described in another diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks as thin-skinned and hypersensitive.

U.S. government officials meeting with Mbeki should be prepared to recognise his defensiveness and high sensitivity to criticism,the cable said.