Statement issued by:

Democratic Alliance
Tony Leon, Leader of the Official Opposition

14 June 2005

The great South African Nobel Peace Laureate Albert Luthuli once said: "What we need is the courage that rises with danger." Today, President Thabo Mbeki has shown that courage.

He faced a choice between two difficult paths. Each had its political costs. Yet in the end he chose to uphold principle over politics.

By so doing, he has led us to a great victory for our young democracy.

We have shown the world that South Africa is not among those nations who allow corruption to unravel the fabric of their country's soul.

President Mbeki has lived up to the promise he made in this House three weeks ago, when he declared that our government will not be undermined or compromised by corruption.

This day will be remembered as a landmark in our nation's history. But the fight against corruption is far from over. It is only beginning.

We know the arms deal has already claimed many political casualties.

The former Chief Whip of the ruling party has been convicted of fraud. The late former Minister of Defence has been severely tarnished. The former National Director of Public Prosecutions has been pushed out of public life. And now the Deputy President has been forced to leave his office.

The truth haunts South Africa like an angry and vengeful ghost.

It will not be put to rest until we finally conduct a full independent judicial investigation into the arms deal and the corruption at the heart of it.

There are those who believe that the Honourable Jacob Zuma is the victim of a conspiracy. Only a complete examination of the facts can quell their fears.

The President must fulfill the example he set here today, and shine the light of justice in every corridor of government until the trust of the people has been restored.

Let us protect South Africa's freedom from those who would corrupt it.

With acknowledgement to the DA and Tony Leon.