The manner in which the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other state organs operate needs to be reviewed, former deputy president Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.
Again indicating political motives behind the NPA action against him, Zuma said a review of state organs might be needed.
”Organs of state should never, wittingly or unwittingly, be drawn into personal or political agendas and allow themselves to be used to further a cause that has nothing to do with their role or mandate,” he said.
He comments came in a letter, posted on the Friends of Jacob Zuma website, on Wednesday morning.
In December last year, Zuma was charged with rape. This came after he was relieved of his post as deputy president in June, amid charges of corruption that emanated from the fraud and corruption conviction of his financial adviser Schabir Shaik.
Zuma praised the way in which he, the government and the African National Congress have handled allegations against him, but said there are questions about the actions of the NPA and members of the media.
”Where there have been incidents or events which reflect our strong points, we should acknowledge them, and continue to strengthen them. But we should also be able to recognise our weaknesses, and work to overcome them,” Zuma said.
He feels he is among those best suited to give comment, ”given that these challenges directly affected me”.
”The fact that the investigation was concluded and the deputy president charged without interference by the government is a clear indication of the maturity of our democracy.
”We as people of this country need to be proud of this because it certainly gives confidence that we have a government that is committed to adhere to democracy and constitutionality of our country,” Zuma said.
While the ANC enjoys a clear majority, it does not use its power to interfere.
Referring to himself, Zuma wrote: ”The deputy president did not interfere or inhibit the work of the investigators.
”Instead, the deputy president was ready to cooperate with the investigators. This is not only an indication of the strength and respect for our democracy, but reflects that national interest takes precedence over personal interests.”
He again criticised some in the media who ”exceeded their rights and privileges” in the way they reported on the matter.
”It seems to me that some journalists and editors have become active participants in political battles, with total disregard for the rules that govern the profession, the rights of the individuals concerned, as well as the constitutional principles which govern our country,” he said.
Zuma said politicians need to take note of the people’s reaction.
”I am more than convinced that the manner in which our people have responded demonstrates that they are a guarantor for our democracy and that no organisation, individual or government of the day could undermine our hard-won democracy.”
Zuma’s rape case was postponed to February 13, and transferred to the Johannesburg High Court.
Newsmaker
Meanwhile, Zuma has been named Newsmaker of the Year for 2005 by the National Press Club, Pretoria, it announced on Wednesday.
The award was made on the grounds of impact, news value and media attention, both print and electronic, said chairperson Ben Rootman.
”The decision for 2005 was not a difficult one for the club’s executive committee, as by far the majority of nominations received were for Mr Zuma. The choice was obvious,” he said.
Zuma dominated last year’s national and international news headlines as he was named in the Shaik trial, axed as deputy president, charged with corruption himself, and then accused of rape.
”The unfolding of these legal proceedings this year will no doubt be equally newsworthy,” said Rootman.
Previous recipients include President Thabo Mbeki and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk, Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, Aids activist Zackie Achmat and the Treatment Action Campaign, disgraced cricket captain Hansie Cronjé and the South African rand. — Sapa