Publication: Business Day Date: 2005-12-05 Reporter: Nicola Jenvey Reporter: Sapa

Zuma Ignores Charges at Cosatu Rally

 

Publication 

Business Day
Date

2005-12-05

Reporter

 Nicola Jenvey, Sapa

Web Link

www.bday.co.za

 

Former deputy president Jacob Zuma’s appearance at the Congress of South African Trade Unions’ (Cosatu’s) 20th birthday celebrations yesterday was marked by his conspicuous silence on the corruption charges and rape allegation that he faces.

Zuma faces another crunch week. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is not saying whether it will bring rape charges against him and the South African Communist Party (SACP), a stalwart supporter since Zuma was fired as deputy president in June because of his compromising relationship with businessman Schabir Shaik, has already indicated it would dump Zuma should he be charged with rape.

Shaik was found guilty of corruption and fraud.

The other partners in the tripartite alliance ­ the African National Congress (ANC) and Cosatu ­ have not said what they will do if Zuma is charged.

Zuma’s first public address since the rape allegations broke three weeks ago saw the embattled politician steadfastly delivering a prepared speech highlighting the role the tripartite alliance played in defeating apartheid and outlining challenges for the next decade.

This was despite facing a supportive constituency that has recently shown solidarity with their hero. However, the pro-Zuma T-shirts, slogans and posters that proliferated at his three appearances in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on fraud and corruption charges were nowhere to be seen.

Political analyst Aubrey Matshiqi said that after Cosatu and the SACP signalled Zuma was “not necessarily their presidential candidate”, he entered yesterday’s arena “with his hands tied behind his back”.

Matshiqi said: “There is little surprise that he stayed away from these issues.

“Paralysis has descended on the Zuma camp, and it will continue until the NPA makes its decision (on whether to charge him with rape).”

Zuma, however, did mention the cracks in the alliance, blaming them on a “fast-modernising society”, self-enrichment, ambition and a quest for power.

“We face a real danger of losing what made us the ANC ­ our values, the spirit of comradeship, the sense of selflessness that led so many people to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and democracy.”

Still ANC deputy president, Zuma called on the alliance to remain the political centre that drove transformation and said the party should not be afraid when workers raised their problems and concerns.

“Instead, we should take this as a challenge and an opportunity to engage. Without a strong, organised working class, our movement and revolution will be severely weakened,” he said.

In an oblique reference to the potential merger of Cosatu rivals the Federation of Unions of South Africa, the National Council of Trade Unions and the Confederation of South African Workers’ Unions, Zuma said the alliance remained the only political force that could lead and transform society.

With Sapa

With ackowledgements to Carli Lourens and Business Day.