The decision to fire Jacob Zuma as the country’s deputy president was correct, the African National Congress (ANC) said on Tuesday.
”The ANC accepts and supports the decision of President Thabo Mbeki to release deputy president Jacob Zuma from his duties in government following due consideration of the ruling in the Shaik trial,” said ANC secretary general Kgalema Motlanthe.
He said the ANC had noted the comments by Judge Hilary Squires regarding the incorrect attribution to him of the phrase ”a generally corrupt relationship” relating to the relationship between businessman Schabir Shaik and ANC deputy president Zuma.
Squires jailed Shaik for 15 years after convicting him of corruption and fraud, a ruling upheld on appeal last week.
”This issue once again highlights the need for all members of society to respect the judiciary and pay due attention to its rulings,” said Motlanthe.
”It should strengthen our collective resolve to uphold and defend important judicial principles, including equality before the law, the presumption of innocence and the right of appeal.”
He said the experience reinforced the ANC’s previously stated positions, including respect for the judiciary and support for Zuma’s dismissal.
He said Squires’s comments ”should prompt reflection and critical self-examination among the media, commentators and others involved in disseminating information” and that judicial decisions should be accurately represented. — Sapa