Zuma ahead in ANC president race

Jacob Zuma is seen as less business friendly than Mbeki

South Africa's former Deputy President Jacob Zuma is ahead in the race to become the next African National Congress leader, local media report.
He has reportedly secured the backing of five provinces against four for President Thabo Mbeki.

Winning the party leadership would make Mr Zuma favourite to become South Africa's president in 2009.

The leadership election will be conducted by secret ballot at the ANC's national conference next month.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) says the weekend provincial results are the "hardest information" to date on how the 4,075 ANC voting delegates are likely to cast their votes.

Mr Zuma secured 2,270 votes while 1,396 went to Mr Mbeki, said 702 Talk Radio.

But the ANC says it has not received the official nominations.

Mr Zuma was sacked as deputy leader in 2005, amid allegations of corruption.

The corruption trial was stopped but charges may be brought once more.

He was also charged with rape but acquitted.

Mr Zuma's supporters say the charges were designed to sideline him from the leadership race.