What is that grinding sound? The clash of interest groups, or merely Helen Zille’s teeth?
African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma’s supporters moved into high gear this week ahead of his court appearance on Friday. His supporters swept through Durban on Wednesday, pulling motorists out of cars, looting buildings and intimidating others into joining their march in support of their leader.
The ANC itself said on September 2 that Zuma’s rights ”have been repeatedly and continually violated by state institutions and his dignity impaired without cause”.
It noted that the graft case against Zuma had become ”deeply politicised, with South Africans being asked to take sides”.
”It has long ceased to be a justifiable prosecution that can be said to be motivated by nothing more than the pursuit of justice,” it said in a statement.
To be sure, seven yeas is a long time to have an accusation hanging over you, but it has come to this, which is why the scenes of looting and mass rallies are not surprising.
Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance, speaking to her interest group, continues to point out that a political settlement for Zuma would undermine the Constitution.
She goes as far as to suggest that a political solution would begin to unstitch the fabric of constitutional democracy.
While Zille’s comments may sound good on paper, they fail to take into account the massive groundswell of support for Zuma.
This also goes some way in explaining why some thought Zapiro’s
Award-winning cartoonist Zapiro is in the firing line over a controversial cartoon that appeared in this week’s Sunday Times.
2. Zuma cartoon: Worth a thousand words?
It seems a picture really is worth a thousand words after cartoonist Zapiro unleashed a storm of controversy this week for depicting Jacob Zuma and other leaders riding roughshod over the country’s justice system.
3. Mugabe aides hold secret talks to gain immunity
Some of President Robert Mugabe’s senior aides have had secret negotiations with South African mediators in an effort to secure amnesties from any future prosecution in return for supporting regime change in Zimbabwe.
4. ‘One or two’ sticking points in Zim deal
Zimbabwe political rivals meeting in Harare could sign a power-sharing deal on Wednesday, veteran President Robert Mugabe said late on Tuesday following negotiations.
5. Runner has legs amputated after ultra-marathon
Taiwan’s leading female ultra-marathon runner has had to have both legs amputated after blisters on her foot developed into an infection, press reports said on Tuesday.
6. Tsvangirai seeks to control home affairs
Zimbabwe’s main opposition faction, headed by Morgan Tsvangirai, is prepared to sign a 50-50 power-sharing deal with President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF, provided that the opposition is given the powerful Ministry of Home Affairs, which controls the police.
7. Nafcoc calls for Somali purge
The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) in the Western Cape has sent letters to about 200 Somali traders who have returned to the township of Khayelitsha, warning them to close their shops or face physical violence.
8. Oprah says no to Palin interview
Oprah Winfrey, America’s favourite daytime TV star, has refused to have Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin as a guest on her talk show.
9. Kebble: The R40-billion brawl
Close to R40-billion in damages claims have been lodged against individuals and companies that allegedly abetted Brett Kebble’s staggering corporate fraud either as co-conspirators or through negligence. This is probably the biggest raft of damages claims in South African history.
10. Erasmus: Zille slams Vodacom
Cape Town mayor Helen Zille has accused cellphone giant Vodacom of helping the ANC-controlled Western Cape government to illegally spy on her.