If a new political party was formed through a split in the African National Congress, it would probably not have a long life span, said ANC president Jacob Zuma in Sandton on Tuesday.
”What kind of alternative policies could you put across alternate to the ANC, that would challenge the ANC? I don’t think so, but I’m not saying it can’t happen.”
He was speaking at a briefing with black business. He said while he preferred not to talk about ”speculation”, if a split happens, ”I don’t think it would have a very long life span, I would be surprised.
”You can’t believe in the ANC and its policies so deeply, and then form an organisation that repeats the same policies, that would be funny.
”If it happens it could be the anger and die down very quickly.
”When people are shocked, angry, quickly reacting, you could say ‘I better go away’.”
However, if people did that, Zuma said, ”You would be stranded if you were in the ANC, you could be in cold and in the snow, and then say, I better go back home.”
Zuma said the African National Congress had in its history gone through a lot of similar experiences — such as opposition that arose within its ranks to taking up an armed struggle.
It had always succeeded in getting through them, he said.
Speaking at the same event, ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa said he ”would not be jealous” of anyone who wanted to form another party.
”I want to assure them that the name ANC … ANC Women’s League, ANC Youth League, the spear and the shield and the colours and the logo have been wisely protected by the law. I think you hear me,” he said.
‘Too soft, too nice’ on crime
Zuma also said South Africa is too soft on crime.
”[We] consider criminals in a democratic way and our laws at times are user friendly,” said Zuma at a briefing with black business representatives.
Zuma said even if someone killed a person in front of numerous witnesses; ”according to the law and technicality we are going to say he is a suspect.
”We are too soft. Too nice.”
He said police officers were directed by the law that they had to inform someone that they were going to be arrested and that the suspect did not have to answer any question and could call a lawyer.
”I think that is a democratisation of criminality,” he said.
He said the way rights had been interpreted in SA might also contribute to this.
”[According to the law] my rights should be equal to the
criminal’s.”
Zuma said even the name of the safety and security department reflected SA’s softness on crime.
”It’s safety and security. That’s very democratic. [It’s] not law and order. It doesn’t suggest we are dealing with crime really.
”You want to maintain order and adherence to law but instead it is safety and security”.
Zuma said he was ”part of those who believe we can deal with crime”.
He gave several suggestions of what could be changed to help fight crime.
Zuma said firstly there was not enough visible policing.
”It doesn’t tally with the claim that crime is too high.”
He also said the remuneration of police needed to be re-evaluated.
Police could not be expected to deal with criminals who were making millions while they were getting by on so little, said Zuma.
This scenario is what could lead to corruption.
Zuma said for certain categories of crime, there should be no possibility of bail.
He also criticised plea bargains.
”To negotiate with a criminal to make an agreement; well, it’s a little out of place”
He said while some might say measures like these were part of democracy that should not be undermined, in the meantime ”people die”.
Zimbabwe
Turning to Zimbabwe, he said politicians in that country needed to stop quarrelling and should work towards fixing their problems.
”We have a problem in Zimbabwe. At times we feel a little bit worried that the Zimbabweans themselves don’t seem to appreciate the problem, the damage done to the country,” he said at the briefing.
”We are hoping they will be able to resolve the matter and Zimbabweans instead of arguing about which ministry goes where; will be talking about how to take the country out of difficulty.”
Zanu-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change have failed to implement a power-sharing deal signed last month after contested elections in the country.
Zuma said SA and the ANC were supporting Zimbabweans.
”We are with them … but there is a point at which we cannot be with them”.
Zuma said it was important to acknowledge the work former president Thabo Mbeki had done for Zimbabwe.
He said for a long time Mbeki was under attack for apparently adopting a policy of quiet diplomacy.
”He handled the most complex and difficult negotiations and finally succeeded to bring the parties together… producing an African solution.
”He is the one who understands the intricacies of the agreement. He should continue and we support that fully,” said Zuma. – Sapa