Publication: Cape Times Issued: Date: 2005-12-16 Reporter: Sapa Reporter: Reporter:

Youth Alliance Stands Firmly Behind Zuma

 

Publication 

Cape Times
Date 2005-12-16

Reporter

Sapa

Web Link

www.capetimes.co.za

 

Johannesburg: Speculation that support for Jacob Zuma was declining was an impression created by the media, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) said at a press briefing here yesterday.

"We support Jacob Zuma's initiative to step down from his duties as the ANC deputy president, but there are individuals who do not want us to agree to that," ANCYL president Fikile Mbalula said, reiterating its support for him.

"There has been consistency in our response to this issue, and I'm afraid we are starting to sound like a broken record. There is no change in terms of what we believe in because we are guided by principle."

Zuma will appear in court on a rape charge in February, and on two charges of corruption in July.

Young Communist League (YCL) national secretary Buti Manamela said the youth alliance remained firmly behind Zuma. In relation to the corruption charge, they still believed Zuma was treated unfairly, he said.

Regarding the rape charge, the ANCYL and the YCL said only a court of law could decide who was guilty and that it was unfair for people, especially the media, to put "undue pressure" on the victim and the accused.

"We cannot have this matter being addressed in a kangaroo court. This matter should be dealt with by a competent court of law," Manamela said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Times.