Publication: Sunday Tribune Issued: Date: 2005-10-09 Reporter: Santosh Beharie

Zuma Readies for Battle

 

Publication 

Sunday Tribune
Date

2005-10-09

Reporter

Xolani Mbanjwa,
Nomfundo Mcetywa,
Edwin Naidu

Web link

 

ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma has likened his current troubles with the law to his trial in Pretoria in 1963, declaring: "I feel like the entire state machinery is against me" *1.

Speaking as he prepared for Tuesday's appearance on corruption charges before a Durban magistrate, and reiterating his innocence, he recalled being charged with conspiracy to overthrow the government.

". . . The whole court was hostile. I regret to say that today as I walk into a court of a democratic country, I still feel the hostility. *2"

Zuma has been busy lately, attending events and speaking far and wide as he drums up support and encounters widespread adulation, with one meeting hailing him a "messiah".

Yesterday, in Folweni, his message at an ANC election rally was one of unity: "If you love Zuma, you love the ANC, then vote ANC."

Zuma supporters are mobilising for a strong, loud turnout at court involving trade unions and busing plans. And the SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) has vowed to not go to school on Tuesday in a show of support for Zuma.

With thousands expected to converge outside the Durban Magistrate's Court tomorrow for an all-night vigil in support of Zuma, the province could be on the brink of an unofficial stay-away.

Bodyguards

Sadtu Provincial Secretary Sipho "K K" Nkosi said yesterday that at last month's provincial Sadtu conference, it was agreed they would be sleeping near the court at the Durban Drive-in and the Durban Central Police Station tomorrow night.

In an interview with the Tribune, Zuma reiterated his innocence.

Fresh from receiving an international peace award, Zuma confirmed his security had been beefed up since the killing of Brett Kebble, the businessman and ardent Zuma supporter.

Zuma has been given state protection since his dismissal by President Thabo Mbeki four months ago after the High Court in Durban found that businessman Schabir Shaik's relationship with him had been corrupt.

Zuma said that despite events of the past six months, he had never lost faith in himself and was confident.

"I've been around long enough in the struggle and gone through enough difficult times to not feel despondent" he said.

Zuma said he went to Los Angeles a week ago to receive an honour as Chief Ambassador for Peace from Rev Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Los-Angeles-based Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace.

The citation for the peace award said: "An ambassador for peace is one who exemplifies life by the ideals of living for others *3, and dedicating themselves to promoting the ideals of the religious body."

Zuma, who has been credited with successful peace initiatives leading to democracy in Burundi, said the accolade meant a lot to him. "It's inspired me to continue what I was doing but also opened my eyes to how South Africa is perceived as a model of success abroad," he said.

Zuma said he was shocked and saddened by the "assassination of (Brett) Kebble". "He was assassinated, no hijacker will shoot and damage the vehicle if they intended taking it away from him," Zuma said.

"I knew him quite well . . . felt extremely sorry for his family who had to put up with a trial in the media when they ought to have been mourning.

"I found it inhumane that a family who had lost their father had to put up with what they did . . . I fought for freedom of expression and the press but I believe there is a limit and those rights cannot be at the expense of pain and suffering," he said.

Yesterday Zuma came out with a unifying call at an election rally at Folweni Sports Grounds, in south Durban.

Accompanied by Premier and Provincial ANC Chairman S'bu Ndebele, Finance MEC Zweli Mkhize and leaders of the eThekwini Municipality, he was clearly the driving force behind the ANC's election campaign in KwaZulu-Natal.

Zuma told supporters that "people cannot hold the ANC accountable for what one man has done". "You can't say that if I don't get re-instated as the deputy president you won't vote in the municipal elections."

"People are misinterpreting what is being said within the ANC and outside the structures of the ANC and that has led to people saying there are cracks within the party. I would like to say this more importantly in this province because this is where people seem to be more worried - there are no cracks."

The vigil tomorrow night is expected to be attended by South African Communist Party General-Secretary Blade Nzimande and Cosatu Secretary-General Zwelinzima Vavi and President Willie Madisha, premier S'bu Ndebele and Finance MEC Zweli Mkhize.

Zet Luzipho, Cosatu's Provincial Secretary, had earlier called for the October 11 to be declared "a national day of solidarity", but has since said that, "those who are working can come to the night vigil".

He said about 3 000 people were expected to attend the vigil. "One of our affiliated unions will be sending 50 buses from around the country," he said.

With acknowledgements to Xolani Mbanjwa, Nomfundo Mcetywa, Edwin Naidu and the Sunday Tribune.


*1 Join the club.

*2 So it becomes necessary to arrange nation-wide strikes by the trade unions, school stay-aways, all night sleep-ins and vigils by the "faithful" thousands - and this is just for the preliminaries at the Magistrates Court. What is going to happen on the first day of the proper proceedings at the High Court? What might happen on the days and nights before judgment and, divinity forbid, sentencing?

*3 Living off others.