Publication	The Star
Date	2006-07-31
Reporter	Sipho Khumalo Wendy Jasson da Costa
Web Link	www.thestar.co.za

Root out corrupt leaders, says ANC deputy president

They came to hear their hero speak - and he didn't disappoint. Jacob Zuma, who stands trial today for corruption, had his supporters spellbound as he called for corrupt leaders to be rooted out.

South African Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande had been billed as keynote speaker at the party's 85th anniversary celebrations.

But for thousands of supporters who were packed into Edendale's small Wadley Stadium near Pietermaritzburg, Zuma was the main attraction yesterday.

They broke into ecstatic cries when his entourage arrived under the watchful eye of security guards, and they did the same when he was invited to the podium.

But before he could deliver his speech, the crowd - clad in the red SACP colours and the black, green and gold of the ANC - demanded that he sing Umshini Wam', which he did - much to their satisfaction.

Zuma fever dominated the proceedings, with songs praising his leadership capabilities being played constantly. Not once, however, did he speak about his trial.

Instead, the ANC deputy president called for greater unity in the tripartite alliance and asked "disciplined" ANC and SACP members to ensure those who were corrupt were rooted out.

Zuma lashed out at those who "jockey and fight for position" in the movement and warned them to stop using the media to further their agendas *1. Zuma said members of the ANC knew how the party operated and should not lobby journalists or the media. Instead, they should guard against it.

While Zuma stayed mum on the trial, the crowd and alliance leaders made it very clear they were there to support him.

Zwelinzima Vavi, Cosatu's general secretary, said Zuma supporters were in Pietermaritzburg in their thousands to see what the presiding judge's decision would be to the National Prosecuting Authority's calls to postpone the trial.

"We are not going anywhere. We are going to sleep here to see who the presiding officer is. They said they had a case. Let the trial continue if they have the evidence. If they do not, they should kick out the case and reinstate him (as the country's deputy president)," said Vavi.

He added that workers had recommended that the case be postponed until February, while the Cosatu congress in September would adopt a resolution that the workers should take to the streets to press the NPA to drop the case.

The acting president of the SA National Civic Organisation, Ruth Bhengu, also criticised the NPA.

"It is strange, really *2, that you will investigate someone for more than six years, charge him and later claim you are not ready to proceed with the case," said Bhengu.

Young Communist League leader Buti Manamela called for the reopening of the investigation into the arms deal "to see who really got what".

He said: "All we have been seeing are top ANC leaders being charged for alleged corruption. We are told all is well with the arms deal. But overseas newspapers are even suggesting our president (Thabo Mbeki) may be involved. We need to reopen the investigation to find out what really went on."

Delivering his keynote address, Nzimande said the SACP would not leave the NPA alone.

"We struggled to have this NPA. But it must do its work properly. We are calling on it to reinvestigate the death of comrade Chris Hani and they come with kind excuses and big English. Even on the case of Msholozi (Zuma), I am not too sure whether to say they have handled it badly or it was deliberate," he said.

Talking about the ANC national conference, Nzimande suggested the kind of leaders he would like to see elected. "We would like to see leaders who would strengthen the alliance, who listen and ensure branches are working and do not speak only during election times. We would also like to see leaders who do not insult us when we express our views," he said.

The rally was to be followed by a night vigil in Freedom Square outside the high court where Zuma was expected to appear today. Some guests at the rally were ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy Defence Minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge and ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula.

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*1       Pot and Kettle tu quoque?


*2      It is strange, really, that people like these don't read the founding affidavit in the matter and take their conclusions from there.

The defence hasn't even filed answering affidavits yet.