After months of bitter rivalry for the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), a climax was finally reached this past December as delegates to the ANC conference in Polokwane voted Jacob Zuma president of the ANC. News sources reported that delegates danced on their tables, screamed with joy and hugged each other deliriously as Jacob Zuma swept to victory by almost 2,000 votes. After the result was announced, Zuma and Mbeki walked onto the stage together, with Mbeki smiling and Zuma looking slightly shocked and humbled, while fireworks went off outside. As they approached the front of the stage, Mbeki turned to Zuma and hugged him and clasped his hand, then was led off stage.

Johannesburg-based Greg Marinovich was there, and compiled this photo essay.