The ANC had the original charges crushed, presumably to protect their own. Mbeki, for political purposes sought to have the charges reinstated in order to disarm his opponent. The court case became a political weapon within the ANC, eventually causing the ANC’s “old guard”, loyal to Mbeki to split from the ANC.

Politics aside, it was clear that Zuma had a case to answer to. Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently criticised the machinations of Zuma to avoid the court case, being branded a “traitor” for his pains. Unfortunately, Tutu is right and this last abuse of the court system is probably the start of an inevitable slide towards a Mugabe-like dictatorship (Dictatorship in the guise of democracy)

Zuma is a likeable man, hugely popular and charismatic. But his politics are highly anti-democratic as witnessed by this response.

The case has been closely followed by investors looking for political stability and has raised concerns about the independence of South Africa’s judiciary.

Zuma said the case showed state institutions such as parliament needed to be strengthened to avoid abuse of power.

“Something clearly needs to be done to make them more effective in their oversight roles,” he said.

His response to the possible compromise of the judiciary? The government needs to be strengthened.

Zuma claims the dropping of this case vindicates his. All it does is demonstrate that power is everything in South Africa. And power never vindicates, it only vanquishes.

Related posts:

1. A Troublesome Priest
2. Bainimarama Goes Bananas
3. Yet More Bananarama

Archbishop Tutu  has never been afraid of condemning corrupt and unjust practices. This has got him into trouble with successive governments with the latest being Jacob Zuma’s ANC. Zuma has been assiduously trying to avoid a public trial for corruption for several years. Archbishop Tutu has been consistent in condemning the machinations of Zuma and the tacit approval of these machinations by the ANC.  Now it seems that the ANC considers itself an untouchable religious organisation as they consider Tutu’s criticism as sacrilege.

They should take a long hard look at themselves. Desmond Tutu has always spoken from the high moral ground. For an organisation to dismiss his criticism as beneath them is highly dangerous. Tutu provides them with a moral compass. An organisation without a moral compass is destined to shipwreck itself on the shoals of hubris.

Related posts:

1. Power Vindicates?
2. Black Death