Jacob Zuma on Sunday spoke out against what he described as infighting within the ruling African National Congress.
”Fighting for positions is wrong and should not be influenced by sources within the media,” he told the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) 85th anniversary rally in Pietermaritzburg. ”Leaders should not allow themselves to be dictated to by the media on what they should do.”
The African National Congress (ANC) deputy president also called for unity in the tripartite alliance, comprising the ANC, SACP and the Congress of South African Trade Unions.
”I know very well that one decision will be taken at your conferences. That decision will be to strengthen the alliance.”
Zuma, who is to appear on corruption charges in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday, said there is no place for corruption in the ANC. ”It our duty as members to fight against corruption. Corruption should be rooted out in our movement.”
Zuma devoted his speech largely to paying tribute to the SACP, saying it played a major role in bringing about democracy in South Africa.
Cosatu told the rally that Zuma must be reinstated as deputy president of South Africa should he be acquitted on corruption charges.
”We want the judge to agree with us that Zuma must be left alone so that he can go home and be reinstated in his position,” said Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi. ”We are looking forward to see who will be presiding over this case. We want the judge to dismiss the application [for a postponement] brought by Zuma’s accusers, so that the trial can proceed.”
President Thabo Mbeki relieved Zuma of his post as the country’s deputy president last year — this after the Durban High Court found there had been ”a generally corrupt” relationship between him and his financial adviser Schabir Shaik.
Vavi also called for an investigation on who really benefited from the controversial arms deal. ”Some people have been put under the spotlight while the real culprits have been hidden.”
He congratulated the SACP on its anniversary and paid tribute to its leaders.
More support
The South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) on Sunday also reiterated its support for Zuma. Acting president Ruth Bhengu told the SACP rally that Sanco will stand by its decision to support Zuma. She said her organisation was hurt to see Zuma ”in and out of court”.
Bhengu said the investigation into the corruption allegations against Zuma has taken years. ”Now the same people investigating him say they need more time to investigate, leave Msholozi [Zuma’s clan name] alone so that he can lead the people.”
The Young Communist League (YCL) called for investigations into South Africa’s arms deal to be reopened. YCL deputy secretary Buti Manamela said it does not make sense for Jacob Zuma to be prosecuted for corruption after the government said the arms deal was above board.
”We are shocked that Jacob Zuma … has been charged with corruption on the basis of investigation into the arms deal,” Manamela told the rally in Pietermaritzburg. ”Why say it was clean [the arms deal] and above board and then try and convict members of the NEC [national executive committee of the African National Congress]?”
He said the arms deal needs to be investigated to ”really see who got what”.
The SACP will also petition and pressurise the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to reopen investigations into Chris Hani’s murder. ”The NPA told us we must forgive and forget. How can we forgive and forget when we don’t know what happened or who else was involved?”
Manamela also accused ”people close” of taking advantage of anti-communist sentiments to further their careers in the government. He did not specify who he was referring to.
Zuma’s arrival
Earlier, a smiling Zuma, wearing a blue, patterned T-shirt, arrived at the stadium in to address the SACP rally. The crowd erupted, dancing and chanting as Zuma walked around the stadium, waving to the supporters.
The song ”We want Zuma” blared from large speakers as the dignitaries, surrounded by journalists made their way around the stadium.
Zuma was flanked by Vavi and ANC general secretary Kgalema Motlanthe. SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande accompanied them. Also in attendance were KwaZulu-Natal finance minister Zweli Mkhize, agriculture minister Gabriel Ndadandaba and the ANC Youth League’s Sihle Zikalala.
The stadium was packed to capacity, with police estimating that 10 000 people had turned up for the event to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the SACP.
”The stadium will be full — you will see. The main course is Jacob Zuma” a supporter said early on Sunday.
Supporters were jovial as they waited to enter the stadium, with the popular struggle song Mshini Wami blasting from large speakers.
Just inside the stadium hawkers sold Zuma T-shirts for R30 and caps for R20. ”Jacob Zuma for president 2007” and ”Bring back Zuma” were some of the phrases adorning supporters’ T-shirts. — Sapa