Below is the full text of Jacob Zuma’s statement issued to the media after his court appearance yesterday:

“Today, Tuesday December 6, 2005 I was charged by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court following allegations of rape that were made against me last month.

My appearance in court comes after four weeks of intense and distorted media reports on this issue, even before the police investigations began in earnest.

I wish to state clearly that I am innocent of these charges.

I am deeply disturbed that what is purported to be evidence has been led in the media. This has severely influenced public opinion on this matter, causing prejudice towards me.

Yet again, as with the corruption case, the media has passed judgment and this I find truly offensive and regrettable. It has become a trend for the media to disregard our enshrined constitutional rights of the presumption of innocence, dignity and human rights.

Nevertheless, it is my sincere hope that as a result of today’s developments, I will be able to address this matter in the appropriate forum — a court of law. It is only there where I will have the constitutional right and opportunity to respond to these allegations.

Now that the matter is before court, I hope that everyone will respect the judicial process and desist from trying this matter in the court of public opinion. I respect the court as the appropriate forum to determine this matter.

I regard these allegations against me very seriously as I abhor any form of abuse against women. Throughout my life, in line with the policies of the African National Congress (ANC), I have fought against all forms of violence and abuse against women.

Given the nature and the seriousness of these allegations, I have voluntarily decided to suspend my participation in the leading structures of my organisation for the duration of this trial. These structures are the national executive committee, the national working committee, the officials’ meetings and the national deployment committee.

I will, however, carry on with the general activities of the ANC as expected of all members of our organisation. This decision does not affect my position as ANC deputy president.

True to my conviction and the high esteem by which I hold the ANC, I have consistently acted in a manner which protects and upholds its dignity.

For this reason I voluntarily resigned as a member of Parliament when the president of our country released me from my duties as the deputy president.

When the NPA brought the charges of corruption against me, I took the decision to withdraw my participation from the leading structures of our organisation. This decision was reversed by the national general council of our organisation.

Now, confronted with this charge, and given its nature and seriousness, I have once again taken the decision to suspend my participation in the leading structures of the ANC. I trust that those who were concerned about my previous decision and raised their disapproval of it will understand why I have had to come to this difficult decision.

I have taken this decision mindful of the fact that there is no ANC constitutional imperative which compels me to take such action. This has been out of my own political consciousness and conviction, and in keeping with the respect I have for the people of this country.

I have informed the ANC secretary-general of my decision and have requested him to convey it to our organisation.

I am mindful that these allegations have affected many in our country and I, more so than anyone else, have a full understanding of this. I therefore appreciate the fact this matter is now before court and I am confident that it will be brought to its finality.”

With acknowledgement to the Business Day.