Publication: Independent Online Issued: Date: 2006-07-30 Reporter: Sapa Reporter:

Zuma Takes Centre Stage at Cosatu Anniversary

 

Publication 

Independent Online

Date

2006-07-30

Reporter

Sapa

Web Link

www.iol.co.za

 

ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma must be reinstated as deputy president of South Africa should he be acquitted on corruption charges, the Congress of SA Trade Unions said on Sunday.

"We want the judge to agree with us that Zuma must be left alone so that he can go home and be reinstated in his position," said general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said. He was speaking at the 85th anniversary rally of the SA Communist Party (SACP) in Pietermaritzburg and ahead of Zuma's trial on corruption charges.

"We are looking forward to see who will be presiding over this case. We want the judge to dismiss the application (for a postponement) brought by Zuma's accusers, so that the trial can proceed."

President Thabo Mbeki relieved Zuma of his post as the country's deputy president last year. This after the Durban High Court found there had been "a generally corrupt" relationship between him and his financial advisor Schabir Shaik.

Vavi also called for an investigation on who really benefited from the controversial arms deal.

"Some people have been put under the spotlight while the real culprits have been hidden."*1

He congratulated the SACP on its anniversary and paid tribute to its leaders.

With acknowledgement to Independent Online and Sapa.


*1       Viva, Vavi, Viva.