Publication	Sunday Argus
Date	2005-10-16
Reporter	Geoff Hughes
Web Link	www.capeargus.co.za

A visitor to South Africa unaware of the machinations and complexities of local politics would be perplexed by the news stories surrounding Brett Kebble and Jacob Zuma.

Watching coverage of the Kebble funeral service, he or she would have deduced from the flag-draped coffin that Kebble was a national hero. But he would note a preponderance of support from the ruling party, the absence of other parties, and the severe criticism of the press. The phrase "trial by media" would suggest itself.

Reading the press he would be completely confused by the conflicting assessments of Kebble: "fraud", "genius", "crook", "patron of the arts", "buyer of political influence", "champion of Black Economic Empowerment" and so on.

The actual trial of Zuma on corruption charges is equally problematic, being prejudged by sections of the ruling party alliance through posters claiming that "Zuma won't get a free trail (sic)", others asserting that "the Scorpions are a private army" and protests that the "the government" has treated the "innocent" Zuma unfairly.

Unlike Kebble, Zuma will get his day in court, despite the protesters. But will the legal process be enough to satisfy the prejudiced?

Geoff Hughes is Professor Emeritus, Wits University.