South African Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi says he does not believe it is appropriate for Deputy President Jacob Zuma to step down as head of the moral regeneration campaign as he remains innocent of any alleged wrongdoing until proven guilty.
Buthelezi was asked at a press briefing at Parliament on Monday if it would be appropriate for Zuma to step down — amid the allegations of soliciting a bribe in connection with the arms deal — but he said: “I can’t be judgmental; after all a man is innocent until proven guilty.”
Buthelezi noted that the deputy president had “not had his day in court” — a reference to the failure of the prosecuting authorities to charge him although they claimed to have prima facie evidence of corruption.
Zuma is to appear in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday to take questions, including one on whether or not he had taken any steps to end corruption in government in his capacity as leader of the moral regeneration campaign. — I-Net Bridge