The man who was dispatched by the ANC at the height of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal to use his popularity to put out the fires is back in the province now using his popularity to stoke new flames. Former president Jacob Zuma appears hellbent on using everything at his disposal to stay out of prison - including agitating violence. Zuma's case is simple. He is accused of accepting bribes in return for using his political influence to shield Thales from any investigation related to the arms deal.
His former financial adviser Schabir Shaik has already been convicted of facilitating some of the payments. It is now Zuma's turn to give his side of the story. But Zuma does not seem to be prepared to do so. His backers are crisscrossing the province, mobilising ANC members and supporters and misleading them about the merits of the case.
Zuma and his supporters can no longer claim that there is a political conspiracy to stop him from ascending to power. He was president for two terms. It was inevitable that his relationship with Shaik would come back to haunt him. But his supporters - who have clearly not accepted the outcome of last year's ANC election - seem not to believe this.The plan, as reported in our story, includes boycotting the ANC at the national level at next year's general elections.
Judging from interviews with ordinary people outside court, Zuma's supporters have been told he is a victim of a conspiracy and is being targeted because he is Zulu. Some of the banners called for the protection of Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini and the Ingonyama Trust. In addition, Zuma told his supporters that his accusers were fortunate that assault was a crime or else he would have given them a good hiding.
No responsible leader would utter such words in public. What message was he trying to send to his followers? The mobilisation of people along ethnic lines would spell disaster, not only for KwaZulu-Natal but for the country. Zuma must face the law on his own. The ANC national leadership must take responsibility and discourage its members from participating in activities that can cause unnecessary tension in the country as we head towards the general elections next year...