Publication: Sunday Independent Issued: Date: 2005-08-28 Reporter: Christelle Terreblanche Reporter:

Mbeki's Zuma Probe Plan 'Astute'

 

Publication 

Sunday Independent
Date

2005-08-28

Reporter

 Christelle Terreblanche

Web link

 

President Thabo Mbeki's surprise proposal for a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of a conspiracy against his former deputy Jacob Zuma has been described as his shrewdest move yet.

Analysts said Mbeki had characteristically played his cards close to his chest in the two months since axing Zuma and the escalating alliance tensions it caused. But as tensions threatened to spiral out of control this week, he pulled out the unexpected "joker", contained in a letter delivered and read during an alliance crisis meeting.

Commentators differ about Mbeki's motives with some saying he was simply trying to calm tensions and deflect attention and others that he was calling the bluff of those in the alliance demanding Zuma's reinstatement and the dropping of corruption charges.

Mbeki said the commission should also focus on "hidden political agendas" and "expose and confront any and all factions that may exist within the ANC and the rest of the democratic movement".

Indications are that the yet-to-be considered proposal caught alliance partners, the Congress of SA Trade Unions) and the SA Communist Party, on the back foot at the meeting.

SACP chairman Blade Nzimande reacted with anger to the release of the letter, which he believed to be confidential, raising fears of another face-off in the alliance.

Political scientist Steven Friedman said Mbeki had no choice but to act, as the conspiracy theories over a plot to destroy Zuma's chances of succeeding as president were increasingly affecting state institutions such as the presidency and the Scorpions, at which some of the allegations were directed.

*The headline above the report in Weekend Argus yesterday about Mbeki's proposal stated that Mbeki had ordered the setting up of an inquiry. The error is regretted.

With acknowledgements to Christelle Terreblanche and the Sunday Independent.