Just when I thought Jacob Zuma was out of the spotlight, he’s back again. Does that mean we’ll be subjected to Zuma and his umshini wami up until the African National Congress (ANC) conference next year? That’s a very long time.

Zwelinzima Vavi, Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary, has called for the reinstatement of Zuma as the deputy president of the country. Vavi made the call after Judge Hilary Squires wrote to Business Day’s sister publication, The Weekender, denying that he had said there was a “corrupt relationship” between Zuma and Schabir Shaik.

Vavi knows very well that cabinet reshuffling is President Thabo Mbeki’s prerogative. The federation’s general secretary knows that Mbeki won’t take orders from Cosatu.

Why is he calling for the reinstatement of Zuma? Does Cosatu consult Zuma before it speaks on his behalf? I doubt it.

After Judge Herbert Msimang struck Zuma’s corruption case off the roll in Pietermaritzburg, Zuma indicated that he’ was not interested in getting his job back.

Who exactly speaks for Zuma? Is it Ranjeni Munusamy, Cosatu, the South African Communist Party or the ANC Youth League? It seems anyone and everyone who wants to say something on behalf of Zuma does so without his consent. He should put a stop to that.

The question that begs an answer is: does Zuma want to be reinstated as deputy president of the country? If so, why doesn’t he say so himself? Is he not assertive enough to speak for himself? Let him speak up!

Thabile MangeKagiso

With acknowledgements to Thabile MangeKagiso and Business Day.