Publication: Sunday Times Issued: Date: 2007-06-15 Reporter: Toby Shapshak

JZ Shoots Himself in the Foot

 

Publication 

Sunday Times

Date

2007-06-15

Reporter

 Toby Shapshak

Web Link

www.sundaytimes.co.za

 

Emacs!
Diatribe: Jacob Zuma

‘My image is not damaged’

Former deputy president Jacob Zuma has effectively scuppered his multi-million rand defamation claims against a raft of journalists and newspapers by insisting his “image is not damaged”.

In a wide-ranging interview with Maverick magazine, Zuma admits the media coverage of his sacking as South Africa’s deputy president, his rape trial, in which he was acquitted, and the corruption charges related to the arms deal, had not affected his reputation.

“My image is not damaged… really, it is not damaged,” he told Maverick in the latest issue, which goes on sale today.

Zuma’s defamation cases against several media organisations, including the Sunday Times, hinge on the perception that his reputation and image have been besmirched in the public’s eyes.

However, his comments publicly acknowledge that no such damage has occurred. After such a statement, it is unlikely Zuma will be able to continue pursuing his legal challenges.

But Zuma insists he intends going through with his defamation claims for tens of millions of rands.

The statement, halfway through the story, follows a diatribe against the media, which Maverick described as a “hate-hate relationship”.

Zuma told the magazine: “If there are allegations against people (the media) actually try those people, convict them. They have done so to me. If and when the judge says ‘Zuma is innocent’ they don’t say ‘That is that and Zuma is innocent’.

“No no no. The man is guilty… They have made themselves makers and destroyers of kings, really.

“It’s not fair,” Zuma says of his treatment in the media, thumping his chair with his fist. “It can’t be fair.”


Ariscarispas said at 15 June 2007

I think that the image and dignity of JZ have been damaged by his own utterances and doings. He is correct in saying that his image has not been damaged by the media. Yes he did it himself and the media just conveyed the message to the public. The people who are backing him are pushing their own agendas.I think what can help him salvage the little dignitus he assumes to have is to take a back seat in active politics. There is no way in hell that he can be the President in this country. That would mean that the country is lead by his advisers, who have misled him many times. I admit that the current president has made many mistakes but JZ is not the solution!!


Mdevourhane said at 15 June 2007

“My image is not damaged… really, it is not damaged,” FOR YOUR INFORMATION IN CASE YOU DIDNT KNOW, THAT SMALL IMAGE YOU HAD LEFT IS NOW SHATTERED, WHEN YOU SAID YOUR CULTURE DOES NOT ALLOW YOU AS A GRANDFATHER TO LEAVE A YOUNG WOMAN AROUSED, THEN YOU STEPPED AND TRAMPLED WHATEVER WAS LEFT OF THAT IMAGE.THE QUESTION SHOULD BE 'HOW DO I RESTORE MY DIGNITY?' Be aware because people are using you to go up the ladder in the politics corporate world. My advise. PLEASE TAKE VOLUNTARY PENSION AND GO RELAX AT HOME.

With acknowledgement to Toby Shapshak and Sunday Times.