S Africa opposition seeks new leader, path to power

MIDRAND, South Africa, May 5 (Reuters) South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance met today to elect a new leader who will seek to break the party's ''whites only'' image and challenge the political dominance of the ruling ANC.

The DA won just 12 per cent of the vote in 2004 elections against 70 percent for the African National Congress -- making it the official opposition but a political sideshow in a country still overwhelmingly loyal to the party that defeated apartheid in 1994.

Three candidates hope to succeed outgoing DA leader Tony Leon in tomorrow's vote.

Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille, who last year became the only DA politician to lead a major city, is seen as the frontrunner while DA national chair Joe Seremane, a black former ANC activist and Athol Trollip, the party's leader in the Eastern Cape province are also in the running.

Leon, in his valedictory speech today, urged the party to fight what he has repeatedly said are ANC attempts to turn South Africa into a one party state.

''Every vote counts and never give up!'' he told cheering party delegates at the congress outside Johannesburg.

''The ruling party has tried to seize control of every institution, public and private. But we have kept it in check.'' Political analysts say Zille -- a feisty former journalist dubbed ''Godzille'' by cartoonists for her tough approach to governing Cape Town -- is favourite, although some say electing another white leader could hobble the DA's electoral chances.

Seremane, the party's most prominent black leader who was once sentenced to the notorious Robben Island prison for anti-apartheid activism, is seen as a possible alternative.

But DA delegates said they were looking for leadership skills rather than racial credentials.

''It is important we elect someone not because of their race, but because of their ability,'' said Shadow Shabangu, a DA municipal councillor.

RULING PARTY RACE The DA race comes as the ANC readies to choose its own new leaders in December amid signs it is under pressure to move to the left after almost a decade of rule by President Thabo Mbeki.

Former Deputy President Jacob Zuma, who Mbeki fired in 2005 amid a corruption scandal, and several other ANC leaders are believed to be in the running to succeed Mbeki as both party leader next year and national president in 2009.

But Mbeki -- constitutionally limited to two terms as president -- may still run for a third stint as head of the ANC.

Leon's style, seen as condescending by many black voters, has been blamed in part for the DA's failure to extend its support base much beyond whites who make up just 5 million of South Africa's 47 million people.

But Leon today accused the ANC of playing the race card through favouritism and affirmative action policies to ensure its hold on power.

''South Africa will not move forward if we continue to define our future in racial terms,'' Leon said.

''Faced with the threat of a ruling party that is hungry for every greater power, only strong and steadfast opposition can protect our nation's constitutional covenant.'' REUTERS SG PM1755