The president was correct in dismissing deputy President Jacob Zuma, Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, said at Parliament on Tuesday.
He was responding moments after President Thabo Mbeki announced the dismissal of Zuma from his post and from Cabinet in a joint sitting of Parliament in the National Assembly.
Mbeki’s decision followed Zuma’s alleged implication in the fraud and corruption case involving his former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik.
Mbeki said as president he had come to the conclusion that the circumstances dictated that in the interest of the deputy president, the Government, the young democratic system and the country, ”it would be best to release the Honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities….”
Buthelezi said the situation had hung like a dark cloud over South Africa and would have eventually paralysed the executive.
But he also called for the nation to unite at ”this sombre moment”.
”On a personal note, I am naturally saddened that a leader of his stature from our province has fallen.”
Leon hails Mbeki’s courage
In a statement given to Mail & Guardian Online, Leon said Mbeki had led the nation to a great victory, citing former ANC president Albert Luthuli who said, ”What we need is the courage that rises with danger.”
”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’, said Leon.
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De Lille: Mbeki has walked the talk
”The President has finally walked the talk and we have seen some action!” said Patricia de Lille, Leader of the Independent Democrats (ID).
De Lille was the politician who first raised her objections to the arms deal in 1999, calling for a judicial inquiry into the matter.
”We commend the President for putting the interest of the country first and respecting the constitution. It is a bold step from the government and has gone a long way in restoring faith in our young democracy,” she said.
”The Independent Democrats call on government to protect whistleblowers so that more people with information pertaining to corruption can come forward,” she said.
Other parties express support for Mbeki
Other parties followed suit, all expressing support for the president’s decision.
The SA Communist Party called for Zuma to be accorded the full dignity and respect he still deserved.
”The SACP salutes the role he has played within our movement and in government, both within our country and internationally,” it said in a statement.
United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa praised Mbeki for his decision claiming that through it the image of the country, public representatives, and indeed of Parliament had been restored.
He said it was a pity Zuma had not acted on his own and resigned when the evidence brought against him initially was heard.
”With hindsight, Mr Zuma might agree with many people that he lacked judgment in pursuing his relationship with Schabir Shaik after the ANC itself had through various office bearers indicated that the party did not want any business relationship with Mr Shaik. Certainly his pursuit of such a relationship behind his party’s back is something that the ANC will want to look into,” he said.
But Holomisa said that if a court of law did find him innocent then Zuma should again be awarded the chance to stand for high office.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) said the president’s decision was appropriate, particularly in view of his commitment to rid the country of corruption.
”This decision sends a strong message that the president will not only pay lip service to his commitments, but is prepared to act toughly against corruption, despite political pressure,” party leader Kenneth Meshoe said.
The Freedom Front Plus came out in support of Mbeki, saying his decision was ”brave and correct.”
”It is extremely important at this juncture in the history of South Africa, where corruption in the public sector is increasing, a strong message against corruption is sent out,” said FF Plus Leader Pieter Mulder.
He said the legal process, where one was innocent until proven guilty, was something totally different from the responsibilities of a person in a public office.
”The two cannot be equated with each other. The president had therefore acted correctly.”
Mulder said the question remained whether Zuma would also be removed from his position as deputy president of the ANC.
”It may well be that it is not the last time that we hear politically from Mr Zuma.”
The SA Communist Party called for Zuma to be accorded the full dignity and respect he still deserved.
”The SACP salutes the role he has played within our movement and in government, both within our country and internationally,” it said in a statement. – Sapa