There are large numbers of white South Africans, all of whom were perfectly happy under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, who cannot understand how the ANC caucus willingly voted Jacob Zuma into the presidency of that organisation. They find it inconceivable that anyone could possibly vote for a person facing a major trial for corruption, fraud and money laundering.

It is equally mystifying that the ANC hierarchy has made no pronouncement about this. The only relevant comment one has heard came from Kgalema Motlanthe, now deputy president of the ANC, who conceded that "the cloud over Zuma's head placed the party in a difficult position". Even the highest echelons of the party remain tight-lipped about this matter.

Surely it was the bounden duty of the government either to have the Zuma trial brought forward to a time before the ANC presidential election commenced, or to have made a forthright statement declaring him ineligible. Now it is too late, and a tangled web of intrigue lies over the whole matter. The documents held in Mauritius, which were to have been recovered many months ago, are still there and Zuma has been to Port Louis, making the Mauritian government's decision (to release them or not) even more problematical.

One accepts that in certain countries a person charged with a crime is guilty until proved innocent but, happily, South Africans are innocent until proven guilty. However, it is impossible to have followed the lengthy trial of Schabir Shaik, during which Zuma's name repeatedly came up, and still imagine he is guiltless.

At the very least he will be disqualified from holding any meaningful office.

What is the response of the adoring crowds likely to be should the trial result in punitive action against their champion?

It is understandable that the rank and file of the ANC enjoy Zuma's song-and-dance act at public rallies. Perhaps many are envious of his bustling married life. They seem either unaware or dismissive of the cloud over his head.

Zuma, for his part, trades on an old Zulu proverb: "Akulasalima esindlebe'nde kwaso" meaning "those who belong to you will overlook your faults" (though others may not).

Perhaps he should recall another Zulu proverb: "Ikhaba oyisengayo" - "If you want the cream you must take the kicks."

DS Fyfe
Bergvliet

With acknowledgements to D.S. Fyfe and Cape Argus.