The entire Western Cape ANC is denying that it faces a major rift along political fault lines between its former chair, James Ngculu, and former premier, Ebrahim Rasool, on the one hand and its newly elected chair, Mcebisi Skwatsha, on the other.
Last week the ANC in the province held its long-awaited provincial conference and the Skwatsha grouping -- seen as strongly pro-Zuma -- made a clean sweep of the top five positions by unanimously electing Skwatsha as party chairperson, Premier Lynne Brown as deputy chair, Sipho Kroma as secretary, Max Ozinsky as deputy secretary and Songezo Mjongile as treasurer.
In contrast with other recent provincial conferences of the ruling party there were no threats, intimidation or mayhem, but about 42% of branches (86 of 205) boycotted the conference claiming that they were deliberately excluded because they supported Lerumo Kalako for the position of chairperson.
Kalako is seen as a Thabo Mbeki supporter and a staunch backer of now ousted Ngculu. He told the Mail & Guardian on Thursday: "I have nothing to say. It's best if you phone Skwatsha and Ozinsky for their comments." Although a member of the ANC's provincial executive committee, recently ousted premier Rasool did not attend the conference either. He told the local media that he did not want to cause further divisions in the organisation.
On the first day of the conference regional secretary Mbulelo Ncedana and about 500 of his supporters held an alternative meeting in Langa, where Ngculu addressed them after delivering his formal conference address. On both sides of the political divide ANC members deny that the boycott of the conference marks an imminent split in the organisation. Garth Strachan, Western Cape finance minister, said the ANC has 54 000 signed-up members in the province, of whom about 400 were disaffected. "These people chose to step outside due process and they're bringing the name of the ANC into disrepute. They're doing the opposition's work for them and we don't see this as signifying a split in the ANC." Strachan is adamant that the ANC's national leadership, under the chairmanship of NEC member Fikile Mbalula, listened to the concerns of the disgruntled members.
Ncedane sent a memorandum to the national executive committee claiming that Skwatsha and his supporters manipulated branches attending the conference to ensure a Skwatsha victory. Both Strachan and Ozinsky denied this. "When you're a democrat you have to abide by the democratic process. You can't cry foul and boycott the process because you don't like the majority vote," Ozinsky said. "Honestly, we're worried about the divisions in the province. It's worrying if senior provincial leaders are playing a factional and divisive role with the intention of disrupting the highest organ of the organisation in the province, namely the conference."
Regional executive committee member Yengwayo Kutta said he and others decided to boycott the conference because "there had been a clear attempt to exclude branches that supported Kalako as the ANC chair". "Eighty-five branches out of 205 are not participating because we're unhappy with the process. Branches in good standing were excluded because of political interference. I myself believe that the conference is fraudulent," Kutta said. "We want the national leadership to listen to our concerns and then we would like another, more inclusive, conference to be held."
Source: Mail & Guardian Online
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
'Child' Malema smacked
Tensions are appearing in the Jacob Zuma camp of the ANC, with senior cabinet minister Zola Skweyiya slamming the "shocking" disrespect shown to Thabo Mbeki in the past year. And he singled out Julius Malema, the controversial ANC Youth League leader, for particular censure, describing him as "an embarrassment to the party" and "un-African". He added: "People... call me every night complaining 'What are you doing about this child?'."
Skweyiya, widely regarded as representing "the soul" of the ruling party, went so far as to invoke legendary ANC leader Oliver Tambo, saying: "If Tambo woke up and found the ANC the way it is, he would have run back to his grave... he would say, 'That can't be my ANC'."
Though a member of the ANC national executive committee, which last weekend decided to axe Mbeki as president of the country, Skweyiya has fiercely criticised the way Mbeki has been treated since he lost his position as president of the party to Zuma in Polokwane in December. Skweyiya was not one of the cabinet ministers who resigned in the wake of Mbeki's departure this week, but he indicated that he would probably retire at the end of his term of office.
In an interview with The Sunday Independent, Skweyiya pulled no punches. He criticised the ANC for not acting against those who had tried to humiliate Mbeki. "We kept quiet... The way Thabo was treated was really shocking to me. Thabo was our president, whether we like it or not. The fact is he was the president of this country and he represented the people of South Africa... That needs to be respected if we respect our constitution. I personally didn't like that." He cited the humiliating incident in Durban last year when Zuma supporters disrupted proceedings during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the repeated and much-publicised outbursts against Mbeki by the Youth League president.
Malema's ridiculing of Mbeki was unacceptable, he said. "You can't talk about the president like that... of the ANC and also of the state. It's very sad that [Malema] says he can fire Zuma. "Who is he? He's not even a member of the national executive committee. "How can he fire Zuma when Zuma has been elected by the ANC, by the people? The Youth League does not determine the policy of the ANC."
Malema was an embarrassment to the party and had to be brought into line, Skweyiya said. The party leadership had repeatedly told the youth leader to shut up but he disregarded them. Skweyiya suggested that Malema was ignorant of the ANC's history because he kept asserting that the Youth League was an "autonomous" structure. But youth leaders before Malema had taken instructions from the "mother body", even if they had not agreed with them.
Skweyiya added that Malema's conduct was un-African. "We are Africans and an elderly person is an elderly person. We say, 'You shall not dishonour your parents'. If you can't respect that, what does he think?" Skweyiya found the attacks on the judiciary and the Human Rights Commission by members of the ANC's tripartite alliance "painful". "How we treated our judges... has not been a nice thing. You might not like the judgments but... those are judges. One of the basic conditions that this government [agreed to when it] came into power was the independence of the judiciary, even though we knew that it wouldn't transform rapidly. "[And] the way we treated the Human Rights Commission is for me something very painful."
Skweyiya's remarks about Mbeki echoed those made by two veteran opposition leaders in parliament this week. IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and PAC MP Motsoko Pheko told MPs that the disrespect shown to the president was unacceptable.
Pheko said that the office of president should be "treated with the dignity it deserves". His remarks were greeted in parliament by an animated Buthelezi, who jumped up from his front bench and, punching his fist in the air, shouted in approval: "That's the truth, that's the truth!"
Later, in parliament, President Kgalema Motlanthe reminded MPs of his predecessor's achievements and leadership. He thanked Mbeki, in whose cabinet, he briefly served. "We have been privileged to have had you as our president these last nine years," he said.
Source: IoL
Skweyiya, widely regarded as representing "the soul" of the ruling party, went so far as to invoke legendary ANC leader Oliver Tambo, saying: "If Tambo woke up and found the ANC the way it is, he would have run back to his grave... he would say, 'That can't be my ANC'."
Though a member of the ANC national executive committee, which last weekend decided to axe Mbeki as president of the country, Skweyiya has fiercely criticised the way Mbeki has been treated since he lost his position as president of the party to Zuma in Polokwane in December. Skweyiya was not one of the cabinet ministers who resigned in the wake of Mbeki's departure this week, but he indicated that he would probably retire at the end of his term of office.
In an interview with The Sunday Independent, Skweyiya pulled no punches. He criticised the ANC for not acting against those who had tried to humiliate Mbeki. "We kept quiet... The way Thabo was treated was really shocking to me. Thabo was our president, whether we like it or not. The fact is he was the president of this country and he represented the people of South Africa... That needs to be respected if we respect our constitution. I personally didn't like that." He cited the humiliating incident in Durban last year when Zuma supporters disrupted proceedings during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the repeated and much-publicised outbursts against Mbeki by the Youth League president.
Malema's ridiculing of Mbeki was unacceptable, he said. "You can't talk about the president like that... of the ANC and also of the state. It's very sad that [Malema] says he can fire Zuma. "Who is he? He's not even a member of the national executive committee. "How can he fire Zuma when Zuma has been elected by the ANC, by the people? The Youth League does not determine the policy of the ANC."
Malema was an embarrassment to the party and had to be brought into line, Skweyiya said. The party leadership had repeatedly told the youth leader to shut up but he disregarded them. Skweyiya suggested that Malema was ignorant of the ANC's history because he kept asserting that the Youth League was an "autonomous" structure. But youth leaders before Malema had taken instructions from the "mother body", even if they had not agreed with them.
Skweyiya added that Malema's conduct was un-African. "We are Africans and an elderly person is an elderly person. We say, 'You shall not dishonour your parents'. If you can't respect that, what does he think?" Skweyiya found the attacks on the judiciary and the Human Rights Commission by members of the ANC's tripartite alliance "painful". "How we treated our judges... has not been a nice thing. You might not like the judgments but... those are judges. One of the basic conditions that this government [agreed to when it] came into power was the independence of the judiciary, even though we knew that it wouldn't transform rapidly. "[And] the way we treated the Human Rights Commission is for me something very painful."
Skweyiya's remarks about Mbeki echoed those made by two veteran opposition leaders in parliament this week. IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and PAC MP Motsoko Pheko told MPs that the disrespect shown to the president was unacceptable.
Pheko said that the office of president should be "treated with the dignity it deserves". His remarks were greeted in parliament by an animated Buthelezi, who jumped up from his front bench and, punching his fist in the air, shouted in approval: "That's the truth, that's the truth!"
Later, in parliament, President Kgalema Motlanthe reminded MPs of his predecessor's achievements and leadership. He thanked Mbeki, in whose cabinet, he briefly served. "We have been privileged to have had you as our president these last nine years," he said.
Source: IoL
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Biggest US bank failure ever
The collapse of the Seattle-based firm, the sixth largest US bank and the largest savings and loan company in the country, was the biggest bank failure in American history.
With $307 billion in assets, $188 billion in deposits and more than 2,200 branches, Washington Mutual’s failure by far eclipsed the previous record bank collapse, that of Continental Illinois in 1984. The latter had $40 billion in assets at the time of its demise.
Source: World Socialist Web
With $307 billion in assets, $188 billion in deposits and more than 2,200 branches, Washington Mutual’s failure by far eclipsed the previous record bank collapse, that of Continental Illinois in 1984. The latter had $40 billion in assets at the time of its demise.
Source: World Socialist Web
Friday, September 26, 2008
Manto axed from Health portfolio
Newly elected President Kgalema Motlanthe used the limited room afforded by a partial Cabinet reshuffle to promise stability, sideline the deeply unpopular Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and soothe divided provincial ANC structures.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Motlanthe moves to steady the ship
The government will remain true to the policies that have kept South Africa steady and ensured sustained growth, newly elected President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Thursday.
In naming his Cabinet, he reappointed Trevor Manuel as Finance Minister and said his deputy would be Baleka Mbete. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was reappointed as Foreign Minister. Controversial Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has become a Minister in the Presidency.
New ministers were:
* Defence: Charles Nqakula
* Justice and Constitutional Development: Enver Surty
* Health: Barbara Hogan
* Safety and Security: Nathi Mthethwa
* Public Enterprises: Brigitte Mabandla
* Public Works: Geoff Doidge
* Intelligence: Siyabonga Cwele
Those who retained their positions were:
# Social Development: Zola Skweyiya
# Education: Naledi Pandor
# Labour: Membathisi Mdladlana
# Correctional Services: Ngconde Balfour
# Housing: Lindiwe Sisulu
# Arts and Culture: Pallo Jordan
# Sport and Recreation: Makhenkesi Stofile
# Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Marthinus van Schalkwyk
# Water Affairs and Forestry: Lindiwe Hendricks
# Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica
# Home Affairs, Noziviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
In his acceptance speech to the National Assembly after being sworn in by Chief Justice Pius Langa, Motlanthe said it was not his desire to "deviate from what is working".
Source: Mail & Guardian
In naming his Cabinet, he reappointed Trevor Manuel as Finance Minister and said his deputy would be Baleka Mbete. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was reappointed as Foreign Minister. Controversial Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has become a Minister in the Presidency.
New ministers were:
* Defence: Charles Nqakula
* Justice and Constitutional Development: Enver Surty
* Health: Barbara Hogan
* Safety and Security: Nathi Mthethwa
* Public Enterprises: Brigitte Mabandla
* Public Works: Geoff Doidge
* Intelligence: Siyabonga Cwele
Those who retained their positions were:
# Social Development: Zola Skweyiya
# Education: Naledi Pandor
# Labour: Membathisi Mdladlana
# Correctional Services: Ngconde Balfour
# Housing: Lindiwe Sisulu
# Arts and Culture: Pallo Jordan
# Sport and Recreation: Makhenkesi Stofile
# Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Marthinus van Schalkwyk
# Water Affairs and Forestry: Lindiwe Hendricks
# Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica
# Home Affairs, Noziviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
In his acceptance speech to the National Assembly after being sworn in by Chief Justice Pius Langa, Motlanthe said it was not his desire to "deviate from what is working".
Source: Mail & Guardian
Opposition congratulate Motlanthe
PARLIAMENT - Political parties across the spectrum congratulated newly elected President Kgalema Motlanthe in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Source: Citizen
Source: Citizen
Motlanthe sworn in
PARLIAMENT - Newly elected President Kgalema Motlanthe was officially sworn in by Chief Justice Pius Langa at Tuynhuys, adjacent to Parliament, on Thursday afternoon.
Motlanthe was elected by majority vote of MPs in the National Assembly earlier.
Accepting his election, he said he was humbled and honoured by the faith and confidence placed in him.
“I undertake this responsibility fully cognicent of the duties and responsibilities that are attached to this high office and the expectations the people of this nation rightly have of the head of state,” he said.
Source: The Citizen
Motlanthe was elected by majority vote of MPs in the National Assembly earlier.
Accepting his election, he said he was humbled and honoured by the faith and confidence placed in him.
“I undertake this responsibility fully cognicent of the duties and responsibilities that are attached to this high office and the expectations the people of this nation rightly have of the head of state,” he said.
Source: The Citizen
Motlanthe elected South African president
The deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC), Kgalema Motlanthe, was elected President of South Africa in the National Assembly on Thursday by 269 votes to the 50 cast for the chairperson of the Democratic Alliance, Joe Seremane.
There were 41 spoilt ballots.
Source: Mail & Guardian
There were 41 spoilt ballots.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Financial crisis casts cloud over UN poverty meeting
Heads of state, private-sector leaders and development agencies will this week assess the global fight against poverty, where progress is threatened by upheaval in global markets and soaring food prices.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
New Minster of Intelligence
President Kgalema Motlanthe on Thursday appointed Dr Siyabonga Cwele as the new minister of intelligence. It is to replace Ronnie Kasrils, who has retired.
He served in the ANC underground structures from 1984 until 1990. He became a member of Parliament in 1994 and was well regarded as the chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence. But the committee was criticised for operating behind closed doors and never being open enough. They also trashed the inspector general of intelligence’s report which found against former NIA director general Billy Masetlha in 1996, in the interests of the Zuma camp.
People who have worked with him describe him as hardworking and independent-minded. His public statements have included an emphasis on the basics: intelligence as a means of combating crime and guaranteeing public safety.
Cwele received an MBchB from the University of KwaZulu Natal in 1984, and later also completed his MPhil in Economic Policy at the University of Stellenbosch
source: News 24
He served in the ANC underground structures from 1984 until 1990. He became a member of Parliament in 1994 and was well regarded as the chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence. But the committee was criticised for operating behind closed doors and never being open enough. They also trashed the inspector general of intelligence’s report which found against former NIA director general Billy Masetlha in 1996, in the interests of the Zuma camp.
People who have worked with him describe him as hardworking and independent-minded. His public statements have included an emphasis on the basics: intelligence as a means of combating crime and guaranteeing public safety.
Cwele received an MBchB from the University of KwaZulu Natal in 1984, and later also completed his MPhil in Economic Policy at the University of Stellenbosch
source: News 24
Kasrils shields his legacy
Outgoing intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils engaged in a last-minute scramble this week to protect his legacy of reform at the intelligence services. Since 2005 the National Intelligence Agency has been in the thick of claims that the Mbeki and Zuma camps abused state institutions in their battle for supremacy.
On Wednesday Kasrils persuaded outgoing president Thabo Mbeki's last Cabinet meeting to release a hard-hitting review of intelligence policy. The report recommends comprehensive reforms of the country's civilian spy agencies, in particular the NIA, the South African Secret Service (SASS) and the National Communications Centre (NCC), responsible for the interception of electronic communication. The report recommends comprehensive reforms of the country's civilian spy agencies, in particular the NIA, the South African Secret Service (SASS) and the National Communications Centre (NCC), responsible for the interception of electronic communication.
The commission, comprising former deputy-minister Joe Matthews, former speaker Frene Ginwala and academic Laurie Nathan, was set up by Kasrils after the "hoax email" saga which led to the sacking of former NIA boss Billy Masetlha. The report, handed to Kasrils on August 7, was held back pending objections by his spy chiefs to some findings. Released on Thursday, it scrupulously avoids trespassing on operational turf, but its recommendations on the policy terrain are uncompromising. The report notes: "We are concerned that NIA's mandate may have politicised the agency, drawn it into the realm of party politics, required it to monitor and investigate legal political activity …" The commission, with the NIA's support, recommends that the mandate should narrow to focus on "terrorism, sabotage, subversion, espionage, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, organised crime and corruption" and large-scale violence and drug trafficking.
Another key finding is that some methods of surveillance currently used are illegal. The report notes that "infiltration of an organisation, physical and electronic surveillance and recruitment of an informant who reports on the private affairs of an individual or organisation ... are not regulated by legislation and are therefore unconstitutional".The commission rejected the recommendation of an earlier internal task team report that "in the hard reality of intelligence operations … it is sometimes impossible to do things by the book.When operating against terrorist threats or organised crime or other clear threats and targets, it is sometimes necessary to 'bend the rules' in order to ensure that the threat is adequately dealt with. This is an operational reality in order to ensure that the real 'nasties' do not get away with their 'nastiness'."
The commission slams this, saying it is "unconstitutional, flouts the rule of law and undermines efforts to develop an institutional culture of respect for the law…
Source: Mail & Guardian
On Wednesday Kasrils persuaded outgoing president Thabo Mbeki's last Cabinet meeting to release a hard-hitting review of intelligence policy. The report recommends comprehensive reforms of the country's civilian spy agencies, in particular the NIA, the South African Secret Service (SASS) and the National Communications Centre (NCC), responsible for the interception of electronic communication. The report recommends comprehensive reforms of the country's civilian spy agencies, in particular the NIA, the South African Secret Service (SASS) and the National Communications Centre (NCC), responsible for the interception of electronic communication.
The commission, comprising former deputy-minister Joe Matthews, former speaker Frene Ginwala and academic Laurie Nathan, was set up by Kasrils after the "hoax email" saga which led to the sacking of former NIA boss Billy Masetlha. The report, handed to Kasrils on August 7, was held back pending objections by his spy chiefs to some findings. Released on Thursday, it scrupulously avoids trespassing on operational turf, but its recommendations on the policy terrain are uncompromising. The report notes: "We are concerned that NIA's mandate may have politicised the agency, drawn it into the realm of party politics, required it to monitor and investigate legal political activity …" The commission, with the NIA's support, recommends that the mandate should narrow to focus on "terrorism, sabotage, subversion, espionage, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, organised crime and corruption" and large-scale violence and drug trafficking.
Another key finding is that some methods of surveillance currently used are illegal. The report notes that "infiltration of an organisation, physical and electronic surveillance and recruitment of an informant who reports on the private affairs of an individual or organisation ... are not regulated by legislation and are therefore unconstitutional".The commission rejected the recommendation of an earlier internal task team report that "in the hard reality of intelligence operations … it is sometimes impossible to do things by the book.When operating against terrorist threats or organised crime or other clear threats and targets, it is sometimes necessary to 'bend the rules' in order to ensure that the threat is adequately dealt with. This is an operational reality in order to ensure that the real 'nasties' do not get away with their 'nastiness'."
The commission slams this, saying it is "unconstitutional, flouts the rule of law and undermines efforts to develop an institutional culture of respect for the law…
Source: Mail & Guardian
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A bloodless coup
The ousting of Thabo Mbeki as President of South Africa is nothing short of a bloodless coup. A coup d’etat is defined as “a sudden and decisive action resulting in a change of government illegally or by force”. The dismissal of Mbeki and the consequent resignation of almost one-third of the Cabinet certainly constitutes a sudden and illegal change of government and is therefore a coup.
Source: Main & Guardian thought leader; Ahmed Motala
Source: Main & Guardian thought leader; Ahmed Motala
Monday, September 22, 2008
Dozens of children kidnapped in DRC by rebels
The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) on Monday urged the immediate release of 90 children kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by rebels from Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
Thabo Mbeki Resigns
Thabo Mbeki, nine and a half years in office as successor to Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s president, resigned on September 21st, 2008 after losing a power struggle to Jacob Zuma, his former deputy and likely political heir.
The resignation brought an end to a once-promising presidency during which Mr. Mbeki accrued both celebration and disrepute. He became internationally notorious for his views about AIDS, joining maverick scientists in questioning whether a virus was the cause of the illness. He led the resistance to antiretroviral treatment, acting as if the AIDS epidemic were a defamatory plot against Africans and a con job by avaricious pharmaceutical companies. This intransigence, critics say, sent countless thousands to needless deaths.
Mr. Mbeki was forced to resign within the same week that some African leaders have praised him for what they hail as a landmark achievement, the brokering of a deal signed Monday in Zimbabwe between President Robert Mugabe and his opposition.
Source: New York Times
The resignation brought an end to a once-promising presidency during which Mr. Mbeki accrued both celebration and disrepute. He became internationally notorious for his views about AIDS, joining maverick scientists in questioning whether a virus was the cause of the illness. He led the resistance to antiretroviral treatment, acting as if the AIDS epidemic were a defamatory plot against Africans and a con job by avaricious pharmaceutical companies. This intransigence, critics say, sent countless thousands to needless deaths.
Mr. Mbeki was forced to resign within the same week that some African leaders have praised him for what they hail as a landmark achievement, the brokering of a deal signed Monday in Zimbabwe between President Robert Mugabe and his opposition.
Source: New York Times
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Cautious optimism returns to Zim
The mother of three, who gives her name just as Beatrice, still doesn't know who raped her all those months ago. They were three men with beer on their breath, iron bars in their hands and Robert Mugabe on their T-shirts.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
ANC dumps Mbeki, moves to 'heal rift'
South African President Thabo Mbeki has agreed to resign after the ANC announced that it would remove him from office before the end of his term.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Heath calls for charges against Mbeki, Maduna, Ngcuka
Former judge Willem Heath has called for criminal charges to be brought against President Thabo Mbeki, former justice minister Penuell Maduna and former chief prosecutor Bulelani Ngcuka. Heath told the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper that last week's findings by Judge Chris Nicholson were tantamount to prima facie evidence of contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act by Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka. Nicholson found that the decision to prosecute ruling party leader Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was invalid.
Heath said South Africans should be protected against the "systematic abuse, detailed in the judgment, of organs of state by the president and his purported henchmen"."If the behaviour found by Nicholson is not addressed, the application of the principle of the separation of powers will remain at the whim of those who have seemingly been using it most effectively for personal gain," said Heath. He criticised the NPA's decision to appeal against Nicholson's ruling. "The findings of Judge Chris Nicholson... will profoundly impact on South Africa. It is probably the most important judgment delivered in this country in the past many years. "What is macabre is that the NPA has decided to lodge their intent to appeal the judgment. "The NPA, represented by Billy Downer SC and Wim Trengove SC in their battle against Zuma, has been given a long overdue chastising for their maverick behaviour -- behaviour which is not limited to the Zuma case," said Heath. He said it was "astounding" that the two senior counsel "did not recognise the procedural irregularities perpetrated by the three consecutive [national directors of public prosecutions] and allowed themselves to be led by such irregularities."
Meanwhile, the suspended national director of public prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, told the SABC that the decision to prosecute Zuma was based purely on legal grounds and not political grounds, as was hinted by Nicholson in his judgment. Pikoli, who has been suspended by Mbeki for an alleged breakdown in his relationship with Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, denied that he was ever influenced in deciding to prosecute Zuma.
Pikoli said the decision by the NPA to appeal Nicholson's decision should be respected.
Heath said South Africans should be protected against the "systematic abuse, detailed in the judgment, of organs of state by the president and his purported henchmen"."If the behaviour found by Nicholson is not addressed, the application of the principle of the separation of powers will remain at the whim of those who have seemingly been using it most effectively for personal gain," said Heath. He criticised the NPA's decision to appeal against Nicholson's ruling. "The findings of Judge Chris Nicholson... will profoundly impact on South Africa. It is probably the most important judgment delivered in this country in the past many years. "What is macabre is that the NPA has decided to lodge their intent to appeal the judgment. "The NPA, represented by Billy Downer SC and Wim Trengove SC in their battle against Zuma, has been given a long overdue chastising for their maverick behaviour -- behaviour which is not limited to the Zuma case," said Heath. He said it was "astounding" that the two senior counsel "did not recognise the procedural irregularities perpetrated by the three consecutive [national directors of public prosecutions] and allowed themselves to be led by such irregularities."
Meanwhile, the suspended national director of public prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, told the SABC that the decision to prosecute Zuma was based purely on legal grounds and not political grounds, as was hinted by Nicholson in his judgment. Pikoli, who has been suspended by Mbeki for an alleged breakdown in his relationship with Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, denied that he was ever influenced in deciding to prosecute Zuma.
Pikoli said the decision by the NPA to appeal Nicholson's decision should be respected.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Heath: Charge Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka
Former judge Willem Heath has called for criminal charges to be brought against President Thabo Mbeki, former justice minister Penuell Maduna and former chief prosecutor Bulelani Ngcuka.
Heath told the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper that last week's findings by Judge Chris Nicholson were tantamount to prima facie evidence of contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act by Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka.
Nicholson found that the decision to prosecute ruling party leader Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was invalid.
Heath said South Africans should be protected against the "systematic abuse, detailed in the judgment, of organs of state by the president and his purported henchmen".
Heath told the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper that last week's findings by Judge Chris Nicholson were tantamount to prima facie evidence of contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act by Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka.
Nicholson found that the decision to prosecute ruling party leader Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was invalid.
Heath said South Africans should be protected against the "systematic abuse, detailed in the judgment, of organs of state by the president and his purported henchmen".
Heath wants Mbeki charged
Former judge Willem Heath has called for criminal charges to be brought against President Thabo Mbeki, former justice minister Penuell Maduna and former chief prosecutor Bulelani Ngcuka.
Heath told the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper that last week's findings by Judge Chris Nicholson were tantamount to prima facie evidence of contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act by Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka.
Nicholson found that the decision to prosecute ruling party leader Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was invalid.
Heath said South Africans should be protected against the "systematic abuse, detailed in the judgment, of organs of state by the president and his purported henchmen".
"If the behaviour found by Nicholson is not addressed, the application of the principle of the separation of powers will remain at the whim of those who have seemingly been using it most effectively for personal gain," said Heath.
Source: News 24.com
Heath told the weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper that last week's findings by Judge Chris Nicholson were tantamount to prima facie evidence of contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act by Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka.
Nicholson found that the decision to prosecute ruling party leader Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was invalid.
Heath said South Africans should be protected against the "systematic abuse, detailed in the judgment, of organs of state by the president and his purported henchmen".
"If the behaviour found by Nicholson is not addressed, the application of the principle of the separation of powers will remain at the whim of those who have seemingly been using it most effectively for personal gain," said Heath.
Source: News 24.com
Trouble in Nigeria? Between an Oil War and a Succession Battle
Even more than is usual for Nigeria, the country currently faces critical challenges. For some time now, Nigeria has been suffering the effects of a multi-layered crisis, the most conspicuous manifestations of which are the oil-related insurgency in the Niger-Delta and recurring concerns about President Yar’Adua’s health, which have given rise to unseemly, and probably premature, speculation and manoeuvring within the country’s political leadership.
Source: Institute for Security Studies
Source: Institute for Security Studies
Thursday, September 18, 2008
African Solutions to African Problems
In January next year, the issue of a Union Government for Africa will again be on the agenda of the next Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union (AU). Continental integration through the establishment of the Union Government was initiated in 2005, but the idea was first formally discussed by African leaders at the Accra Summit of Heads of States and Governments of Africa held in July 2007.
It is evident that African people have got the necessary resources and knowledge to address the challenges the continent is facing. Even if the concept needs further development and clarification in terms of defining the problems of Africa and their solutions, “African solutions for African problems” could be employed as a motto since it certainly is inspiring. This applies especially to the youth of Africa who are in the driving seat of Africa’s destiny.
Serekebrhan Fiquremariam, Intern, Direct Conflict Prevention Programme, ISS Addis Ababa
Source: Institute for Security Studies
It is evident that African people have got the necessary resources and knowledge to address the challenges the continent is facing. Even if the concept needs further development and clarification in terms of defining the problems of Africa and their solutions, “African solutions for African problems” could be employed as a motto since it certainly is inspiring. This applies especially to the youth of Africa who are in the driving seat of Africa’s destiny.
Serekebrhan Fiquremariam, Intern, Direct Conflict Prevention Programme, ISS Addis Ababa
Source: Institute for Security Studies
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pikoli: 'I was not manipulated'
Suspended prosecuting boss Vusi Pikoli has rubbished any suggestion that he was improperly influenced by President Thabo Mbeki's "meddling" in ANC president Jacob Zuma's corruption prosecution.
Judge Nicholson found on Friday that there had been a "distressing pattern" in the National Prosecuting Authority's behaviour and handling of the case against Zuma "indicative of political interference, pressure or influence".
Pikoli's attorney, Aslam Moosajee, said the behaviour complained of related to allegations against acting national director of public prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe, and Ngcuka, in the latter's interaction with then-justice minister Penuell Maduna before the prosecution of Zuma's former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.
"There are no facts set out in the judgment which supports any suggestion that Mr Pikoli allowed political interference.
"Mr Pikoli viewed his obligations of independence very seriously and went as far as refusing to comply with an instruction from justice minister Brigitte Mabandla not to proceed with the arrest of national commissioner of police Jackie Selebi.
"We know from the Selebi matter that Mr Pikoli said there was interference, but he resisted those attempts and he was suspended.
"The international community has also recognised Mr Pikoli's dedication to the principles of prosecutorial independence," he said.
Source: News 24.com
Judge Nicholson found on Friday that there had been a "distressing pattern" in the National Prosecuting Authority's behaviour and handling of the case against Zuma "indicative of political interference, pressure or influence".
Pikoli's attorney, Aslam Moosajee, said the behaviour complained of related to allegations against acting national director of public prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe, and Ngcuka, in the latter's interaction with then-justice minister Penuell Maduna before the prosecution of Zuma's former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.
"There are no facts set out in the judgment which supports any suggestion that Mr Pikoli allowed political interference.
"Mr Pikoli viewed his obligations of independence very seriously and went as far as refusing to comply with an instruction from justice minister Brigitte Mabandla not to proceed with the arrest of national commissioner of police Jackie Selebi.
"We know from the Selebi matter that Mr Pikoli said there was interference, but he resisted those attempts and he was suspended.
"The international community has also recognised Mr Pikoli's dedication to the principles of prosecutorial independence," he said.
Source: News 24.com
Rising prices tip another 75-million towards starvation
Global numbers afflicted by acute hunger rose from 850-million to 925-million by the start of 2008 because of rising prices, the head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said on Wednesday.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
NPA to appeal against Zuma judgement
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Wednesday that it will apply for leave to appeal against the judgment delivered by Judge Chris Nicholson last Friday on the Jacob Zuma matter.
Source: Mail and Guardian
Source: Mail and Guardian
Monday, September 15, 2008
Global Political Agreement
The Agreement between the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations, on resolving the challenges facing Zimbabwe can be found here.
Source: Kubatana
Source: Kubatana
Friday, September 12, 2008
Round one to Zuma
The Scorpions' decision to prosecute African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges was not legal, Judge Chris Nicholson found in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday.
Source: Mail & Guardian
"... and blessed be the Angel Gabriel ..."
Three coins in a fountain ...
Source: Mail & Guardian
"... and blessed be the Angel Gabriel ..."
Three coins in a fountain ...
ANC asserts independence from leftist allies
The African National Congress (ANC) does not necessarily share the economic views of its leftist allies, party treasurer Mathews Phosa said, Business Day reported on Friday.
Phosa told a meeting of businessmen and diplomats the ANC respected the views of its allies, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), but did not share all of them, the newspaper said.
Sourc:; Mail and Guardian
Phosa told a meeting of businessmen and diplomats the ANC respected the views of its allies, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), but did not share all of them, the newspaper said.
Sourc:; Mail and Guardian
Thursday, September 11, 2008
SACP: Political left at crossroads
The political left in South Africa is at a crossroads in the history of its revolution, the South African Communist Party (SACP) said in a policy discussion document released on Wednesday.
The struggle to build a coherent, working-class biased, developmental state involves a struggle against the grave dangers of factionalising the state apparatus, and particularly sensitive areas of the state apparatus like courts, prosecutorial authorities, SAPS investigators and the intelligence services.
"Unfortunately there have been worrying developments over the last several years in this regard.
"The SACP needs to be in the forefront of fighting against such tendencies."
"We need to fight for the integrity, the professionalism and the independence of the criminal justice system and its component parts," the document said.
Source: Mail and Guardian
The struggle to build a coherent, working-class biased, developmental state involves a struggle against the grave dangers of factionalising the state apparatus, and particularly sensitive areas of the state apparatus like courts, prosecutorial authorities, SAPS investigators and the intelligence services.
"Unfortunately there have been worrying developments over the last several years in this regard.
"The SACP needs to be in the forefront of fighting against such tendencies."
"We need to fight for the integrity, the professionalism and the independence of the criminal justice system and its component parts," the document said.
Source: Mail and Guardian
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Malema (ANCYL) in a froth over Zuma
African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Julius Malema on Wednesday vowed to "eliminate any force" blocking ANC president Jacob Zuma's path to the presidency.
Source: Mail and Guardian
Source: Mail and Guardian
Cosatu on Zuma: Don't test our patience
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has called on President Thabo Mbeki to reinstate Jacob Zuma as the deputy president of the country.
Source: Mail and Guardian
Source: Mail and Guardian
Portrait of a suicide bomber
The windows are wide open and birds are singing in the trees outside. The Kabul traffic hums in the distance. Abit (21) and not looking a year more in his jaunty cap and black shalwar kameez, is sitting in the headquarters of the National Security Directorate, the Afghan intelligence service, and talking about how he became a suicide bomber.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
The Apology (of Socrates)
Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he defends himself against the charges of being a man "who corrupted the young, did not believe in the gods, and created new deities". "Apology" here has its earlier meaning (now usually expressed by the word "apologia") of speaking in defense of a cause or of one's beliefs or actions (from the Greek απολογία).
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zuma weighs legal action against Zapiro
Jacob Zuma's lawyer has confirmed that the ANC president is considering new legal action against cartoonist Zapiro after his controversial drawing published in a Sunday newspaper this week. The cartoon by Zapiro, whose real name is Jonathan Shapiro, featured Zuma being urged to rape a woman, representing Justice, and being egged on by four senior ANC and tripartite alliance leaders.
This morning Michael Hulley, who is representing Zuma in his corruption case, told the Cape Argus: "I have discussed it with him, but I can't say he's given me firm instructions on how to deal with it." Hulley confirmed that Zuma was still seeking recourse from the courts in a number of different matters against media institutions and individuals - although some had been resolved. "For example, after Polokwane, Mr Zuma and David Bullard met and made their peace," he said.
Zapiro confirmed this morning that previous litigation by Zuma against himself was still pending. "It started at R15-million, but after Polokwane it was changed and lessened to R2-million," he said. Zapiro said he believed Zuma was suing him for defamation and "injury to his dignity".
This was for three cartoons, all three of which Zapiro penned while Zuma was being tried for rape in early 2006 - a charge on which he was eventually acquitted. The first cartoon was the first occasion on which Zapiro featured Zuma with a shower head emerging from his glistening scalp - where it has remained in the cartoonist's work ever since.
Zapiro said the response to his most recent Zuma cartoon had been unprecedented in his personal career, with the matter being covered in international media and an interview with the BBC this morning. "I've had some pretty huge responses, but nothing has come close to this," he said.
Source: IoL
This morning Michael Hulley, who is representing Zuma in his corruption case, told the Cape Argus: "I have discussed it with him, but I can't say he's given me firm instructions on how to deal with it." Hulley confirmed that Zuma was still seeking recourse from the courts in a number of different matters against media institutions and individuals - although some had been resolved. "For example, after Polokwane, Mr Zuma and David Bullard met and made their peace," he said.
Zapiro confirmed this morning that previous litigation by Zuma against himself was still pending. "It started at R15-million, but after Polokwane it was changed and lessened to R2-million," he said. Zapiro said he believed Zuma was suing him for defamation and "injury to his dignity".
This was for three cartoons, all three of which Zapiro penned while Zuma was being tried for rape in early 2006 - a charge on which he was eventually acquitted. The first cartoon was the first occasion on which Zapiro featured Zuma with a shower head emerging from his glistening scalp - where it has remained in the cartoonist's work ever since.
Zapiro said the response to his most recent Zuma cartoon had been unprecedented in his personal career, with the matter being covered in international media and an interview with the BBC this morning. "I've had some pretty huge responses, but nothing has come close to this," he said.
Source: IoL
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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.
The cartoon, first published in the Sunday Times, shows African National Congress (ANC) leader Zuma unbuckling his belt -- his buttocks partially exposed -- in front of a woman who is being held down by leaders of the ANC, the South African Communist Party (SACP), the ANC Youth League and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu). Gwede Mantashe, ANC secretary general, says: “Go for it, boss!”
The woman in the cartoon represents the justice system, so identified by a banner across her body -- implying that Zuma, together with the ANC and its alliance partners, is "raping" the judicial system. The press ombudsman's Khanye Mndaweni said on Tuesday that although the office had received two calls about the matter on Monday, no formal complaint had been laid yet.
Zapiro -- whose real name is Jonathan Shapiro -- told the Mail & Guardian Online on Monday that "there are layers in this cartoon. The primary point is that Zuma is violating the justice system and the spirit of the Constitution. That violation is depicted as a rape." On Tuesday, he said he had thought "very, very carefully" before putting pen to paper, and that he had also asked female friends for their opinion. "There is a very, very pronounced tendency in this country towards exceptionalism, as if our politicians are more sacrosanct than politicians worldwide. That I take issue with," he said. "I really feel strongly that they have to take a hard look at what they are doing and not use the red herring of racism."
His women friends, though shocked, felt that the cartoon not only showed graphically what was happening to the justice system and constitutional principles, but that it also contained a second level of criticism on violence against women in a very patriarchal society.
Zapiro said the blindfolded figure of justice was an allegorical figure going back centuries. "The fact that Jacob Zuma has this personal history is his problem," he said.
The ANC is expecting at least 5 000 supporters to converge on the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday night before Friday's ruling on whether the decision to charge Zuma was lawful. Zuma faces a charge of racketeering, four charges of corruption, a charge of money laundering and 12 charges of fraud related to the multibillion-rand government arms deal.
Speaking at the University of Johannesburg on Tuesday, Zuma said although the judiciary was the final arbiter of disputes, it was not above criticism. ”It can't be said you can't criticise the judiciary. That is what is being said in South Africa. That is not right. But, the criticism should be fair and should be informed. That is very important," he said, addressing students on "access to justice". It was "only in dictatorships and autocracies that criticism is viewed with contempt". He said South Africa, as a 14-year-old democracy, was going through a learning curve and still internalising fundamental principles of democracy. Debates would help this process.
He said ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe and secretary general Gwede Mantashe would never undermine the judiciary, nor the rule of law. "As the ANC we reiterate and affirm our belief in the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary to be the final arbitrator of disputes. "Motlanthe, Mantashe will never undermine these institutions. We seek to protect and strengthen them as the ANC has always done since 1912. "I believe in a free and independent judiciary that should operate without fear or favour. I believe in the right of equal access to the courts for all South Africans," he said.
Hundreds of readers of the M&G Online and its invitation-only blogging platform Thought Leader have been moved to comment on the furore, some using their real names and some using pseudonyms. Reader Tsiliso Tamasane said: “Zapiro has an insatiable hatred for Mr Zuma and will use any event to publicly humiliate him. It's no longer funny." Another reader, Joseph Sifundza, said while he has always enjoyed Zapiro's cartoons, he thought the cartoonist had gone “a bit far with this one”. “In fact, the NPA is the one raping Mr Zuma's rights with the help of the media and the opposition parties,” said Sifundza. Others thought it was fair comment. “It's called political satire and is required in any healthy democracy,” said a reader using the name Meren Gue. A reader under the name Garg Unzola said Zapiro is not a journalist. “Cartoons are not examples of investigative or informative journalism. You should view his cartoons with the same apprehension that you should read a columnist's column. Take it with a pinch of salt, accept that it is Zapiro's opinion and move on.”
Reader Rose Morrow said the cartoon, converted to text and abbreviated in journalistic speak, would probably go something like this: “Jacob Zuma, the president of the once highly respected and admired ANC, stands accused of attempting to rape the justice system of South Africa. His wholly self-serving, entirely unethical 'struggle' tactics to avoid at all costs his corruption trial are blindly supported by certain prominent leaders within that party, the ANCYL and the tripartite alliance. As one, they have launched a scathing, unabated, unfounded attack on the credentials and motive of our judges, including those from the Constitutional Court, many, if not all of whom, featured strongly in South Africa's struggle history. Added Morrow: “Printed in words, the comment would cause hardly a ripple!”
Jane Duncan, the executive director of the Freedom of Expression Institute in Johannesburg, said on Tuesday she had initially thought the cartoon to be "quite risky”. Duncan also believes that Zuma may have a case against Zapiro. “Yes, Zuma can sue Zapiro for defamation because it could evoke an association with the rape trial and depicting him as a rapist while he was not found guilty," she said. "A cartoon is a creative form of expression and it can be read in different ways. So I think the cartoonist should be given the benefit of the doubt." She added: “A cartoonist is a lot freer than a journalist”.
Fellow cartoonist and author Andy Mason told the M&G Online on Tuesday that freedom of expression is not an unlimited right, and these limits need to debated by the public. "It’s not the cartoonist who published it. The editor makes the considered decision to publish it. It’s a carefully considered risk taken in the context of the role of the newspaper. It’s not an issue of rights, it’s about responsibility," said Mason. "A cartoonist is given licence to go further than others and to push the boundaries. One of the tasks is to create public debate."
Anton Harber, journalism professor at the University of Witwatersrand, told the M&G Online: “South Africans are over-sensitive." He said he thinks it’s a powerful cartoon that “very clearly pushes the boundaries, but cartoons are satire. We give them [cartoonists] more space as journalists. You can even say this cartoon is outrageous, but that’s the function of a cartoon." He added: “Press freedom allows you to be tough and provocative." However, where to draw the line is hard to define, according to Harber. “It’s a question of judgement and taste.”
There are different possible objections to this cartoon, he said. Firstly, it could harm Zuma's dignity, and any cartoonist should be conscious of that. But, he said, “when you are a public persona you are open to more satire than normal citizens”. Another possible objection is gender violence. “But, in my opinion, the cartoon does not glorify violence against women." Thirdly, the ANC and its partners say the cartoon is referring to Zuma’s rape case, but Harber feels “those people are reading it far too literally”, saying: "It doesn’t directly refer to the rape trial.”
At a lecture at Wits in April this year, Harber said that cartoonists find themselves increasingly the target of criticism and attacks. On Tuesday he said this is because South Africans are “over-sensitive”. An important reason for this is that South Africa is still a young democracy. “In a lot of other countries this cartoon would be not that controversial," he said. “Zapiro is really pushing the boundaries and he takes it further than others. But that’s what you do as a cartoonist ... And [as a young democracy] we need it."
Source: Mail & Guardian
The woman in the cartoon represents the justice system, so identified by a banner across her body -- implying that Zuma, together with the ANC and its alliance partners, is "raping" the judicial system. The press ombudsman's Khanye Mndaweni said on Tuesday that although the office had received two calls about the matter on Monday, no formal complaint had been laid yet.
Zapiro -- whose real name is Jonathan Shapiro -- told the Mail & Guardian Online on Monday that "there are layers in this cartoon. The primary point is that Zuma is violating the justice system and the spirit of the Constitution. That violation is depicted as a rape." On Tuesday, he said he had thought "very, very carefully" before putting pen to paper, and that he had also asked female friends for their opinion. "There is a very, very pronounced tendency in this country towards exceptionalism, as if our politicians are more sacrosanct than politicians worldwide. That I take issue with," he said. "I really feel strongly that they have to take a hard look at what they are doing and not use the red herring of racism."
His women friends, though shocked, felt that the cartoon not only showed graphically what was happening to the justice system and constitutional principles, but that it also contained a second level of criticism on violence against women in a very patriarchal society.
Zapiro said the blindfolded figure of justice was an allegorical figure going back centuries. "The fact that Jacob Zuma has this personal history is his problem," he said.
The ANC is expecting at least 5 000 supporters to converge on the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday night before Friday's ruling on whether the decision to charge Zuma was lawful. Zuma faces a charge of racketeering, four charges of corruption, a charge of money laundering and 12 charges of fraud related to the multibillion-rand government arms deal.
Speaking at the University of Johannesburg on Tuesday, Zuma said although the judiciary was the final arbiter of disputes, it was not above criticism. ”It can't be said you can't criticise the judiciary. That is what is being said in South Africa. That is not right. But, the criticism should be fair and should be informed. That is very important," he said, addressing students on "access to justice". It was "only in dictatorships and autocracies that criticism is viewed with contempt". He said South Africa, as a 14-year-old democracy, was going through a learning curve and still internalising fundamental principles of democracy. Debates would help this process.
He said ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe and secretary general Gwede Mantashe would never undermine the judiciary, nor the rule of law. "As the ANC we reiterate and affirm our belief in the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary to be the final arbitrator of disputes. "Motlanthe, Mantashe will never undermine these institutions. We seek to protect and strengthen them as the ANC has always done since 1912. "I believe in a free and independent judiciary that should operate without fear or favour. I believe in the right of equal access to the courts for all South Africans," he said.
Hundreds of readers of the M&G Online and its invitation-only blogging platform Thought Leader have been moved to comment on the furore, some using their real names and some using pseudonyms. Reader Tsiliso Tamasane said: “Zapiro has an insatiable hatred for Mr Zuma and will use any event to publicly humiliate him. It's no longer funny." Another reader, Joseph Sifundza, said while he has always enjoyed Zapiro's cartoons, he thought the cartoonist had gone “a bit far with this one”. “In fact, the NPA is the one raping Mr Zuma's rights with the help of the media and the opposition parties,” said Sifundza. Others thought it was fair comment. “It's called political satire and is required in any healthy democracy,” said a reader using the name Meren Gue. A reader under the name Garg Unzola said Zapiro is not a journalist. “Cartoons are not examples of investigative or informative journalism. You should view his cartoons with the same apprehension that you should read a columnist's column. Take it with a pinch of salt, accept that it is Zapiro's opinion and move on.”
Reader Rose Morrow said the cartoon, converted to text and abbreviated in journalistic speak, would probably go something like this: “Jacob Zuma, the president of the once highly respected and admired ANC, stands accused of attempting to rape the justice system of South Africa. His wholly self-serving, entirely unethical 'struggle' tactics to avoid at all costs his corruption trial are blindly supported by certain prominent leaders within that party, the ANCYL and the tripartite alliance. As one, they have launched a scathing, unabated, unfounded attack on the credentials and motive of our judges, including those from the Constitutional Court, many, if not all of whom, featured strongly in South Africa's struggle history. Added Morrow: “Printed in words, the comment would cause hardly a ripple!”
Jane Duncan, the executive director of the Freedom of Expression Institute in Johannesburg, said on Tuesday she had initially thought the cartoon to be "quite risky”. Duncan also believes that Zuma may have a case against Zapiro. “Yes, Zuma can sue Zapiro for defamation because it could evoke an association with the rape trial and depicting him as a rapist while he was not found guilty," she said. "A cartoon is a creative form of expression and it can be read in different ways. So I think the cartoonist should be given the benefit of the doubt." She added: “A cartoonist is a lot freer than a journalist”.
Fellow cartoonist and author Andy Mason told the M&G Online on Tuesday that freedom of expression is not an unlimited right, and these limits need to debated by the public. "It’s not the cartoonist who published it. The editor makes the considered decision to publish it. It’s a carefully considered risk taken in the context of the role of the newspaper. It’s not an issue of rights, it’s about responsibility," said Mason. "A cartoonist is given licence to go further than others and to push the boundaries. One of the tasks is to create public debate."
Anton Harber, journalism professor at the University of Witwatersrand, told the M&G Online: “South Africans are over-sensitive." He said he thinks it’s a powerful cartoon that “very clearly pushes the boundaries, but cartoons are satire. We give them [cartoonists] more space as journalists. You can even say this cartoon is outrageous, but that’s the function of a cartoon." He added: “Press freedom allows you to be tough and provocative." However, where to draw the line is hard to define, according to Harber. “It’s a question of judgement and taste.”
There are different possible objections to this cartoon, he said. Firstly, it could harm Zuma's dignity, and any cartoonist should be conscious of that. But, he said, “when you are a public persona you are open to more satire than normal citizens”. Another possible objection is gender violence. “But, in my opinion, the cartoon does not glorify violence against women." Thirdly, the ANC and its partners say the cartoon is referring to Zuma’s rape case, but Harber feels “those people are reading it far too literally”, saying: "It doesn’t directly refer to the rape trial.”
At a lecture at Wits in April this year, Harber said that cartoonists find themselves increasingly the target of criticism and attacks. On Tuesday he said this is because South Africans are “over-sensitive”. An important reason for this is that South Africa is still a young democracy. “In a lot of other countries this cartoon would be not that controversial," he said. “Zapiro is really pushing the boundaries and he takes it further than others. But that’s what you do as a cartoonist ... And [as a young democracy] we need it."
Source: Mail & Guardian
The blindfolding of justice; allegorical going back centuries.
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.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Zapiro
Source: Mail & Guardian
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tito gone fishing
Tito Mboweni was in the news this week because he was quitting to go fishing. Then, after chatting to ANC boss Gwede Mantashe, it seemed that Mboweni was prepared to keep his fishing part time. He would stay, if asked.
Source Mail & Guardian
Source Mail & Guardian
On Zuma, Zapiro and that cartoon….
I have always been a great fan of the cartoonist, Zapiro. He is intelligent, moral and brave – something one cannot say about too many people in South Africa. I am also not easily shocked and believe politicians generally deserve to be ridiculed and mocked. It is when people – especially politicians – start thinking they are beyond mocking and take themselves too seriously that trouble usually starts.
But when I saw his cartoon in the Sunday Times yesterday, I found myself wondering whether Zapiro had not gone too far and had perhaps not done something immoral and ethically deeply problematic.
Of course I agree with Zapiro that some of those ANC leaders who have been championing Zuma’s cause, have acted in a scandalous and despicable manner. I also agree that Zuma – through his silence – has aided and abetted some in the ANC in their very dangerous and immoral behaviour.
Perhaps one could still argue that a cartoonist may use the metaphor of rape in his cartoons to address a situation that he sees as dangerous and immoral – although I am not a woman and have never been raped, so maybe I am not the best one to judge this point. The metaphor of rape is definitely a powerful one – especially in a country like South Africa where so many woman have been and continue to be raped.
But I do wonder whether by using the metaphor of rape, Zapiro is not cheapening the horror of rape and – given our deeply patriarchal and sexist society – is not helping to desensitize us to this scourge. In a society where many men still see woman as something to be owned, I worry that this kind of cartoon might somehow send a signal to some men that rape is not such a bad thing.
In this cartoon Zapiro uses rape as a metaphor, of course, and he is using the horror that most ordinary decent people have of rape to make a very powerful point about the immorality of Zuma and his backers. But human beings are strange creatures – do we not become desensitized to a horror if we are exposed to it for long enough?
And what about the horrid sexists who might also be fans of Jacob Zuma? Is there not a danger that they will leer over this cartoon and somehow find it exciting or funny?
Lastly, the cartoon will be read in the context of Mr Zuma’s rape trial. Every single person who sees it will remember that Zuma was charged with rape and will make some connection between that charge and this cartoon.
But Zuma was acquitted in his rape trial. Although he said some very sexists and stupid things during his trial and although his supporters behaved appallingly outside the court, we have to respect the fact that he was acquitted because it shows our respect for the judiciary which, Zapiro suggests, Zuma’s supporters do not always show.
By depicting Zuma as a rapist – even in metaphoric terms – is Zapiro not disrespecting the decision by the court and planting the thought in our heads that maybe Zuma is a rapist after all? Is Zapiro in that way not undermining respect for the very judiciary he is purportedly defending by suggesting subliminally that Zuma should have been convicted?
I do not think there are easy answers to these questions. Maybe I am being prudish or overtly sensitive? I remain in two minds myself.
But perhaps we all have a duty when we engage in the public discourse to do so in a way that is not going to fan the flames of sexism, hate and violence. Maybe, just maybe, Zapiro overstepped the boundary in this case.
Source: Pierre de Vos: Constitutionally Speaking
But when I saw his cartoon in the Sunday Times yesterday, I found myself wondering whether Zapiro had not gone too far and had perhaps not done something immoral and ethically deeply problematic.
Of course I agree with Zapiro that some of those ANC leaders who have been championing Zuma’s cause, have acted in a scandalous and despicable manner. I also agree that Zuma – through his silence – has aided and abetted some in the ANC in their very dangerous and immoral behaviour.
Perhaps one could still argue that a cartoonist may use the metaphor of rape in his cartoons to address a situation that he sees as dangerous and immoral – although I am not a woman and have never been raped, so maybe I am not the best one to judge this point. The metaphor of rape is definitely a powerful one – especially in a country like South Africa where so many woman have been and continue to be raped.
But I do wonder whether by using the metaphor of rape, Zapiro is not cheapening the horror of rape and – given our deeply patriarchal and sexist society – is not helping to desensitize us to this scourge. In a society where many men still see woman as something to be owned, I worry that this kind of cartoon might somehow send a signal to some men that rape is not such a bad thing.
In this cartoon Zapiro uses rape as a metaphor, of course, and he is using the horror that most ordinary decent people have of rape to make a very powerful point about the immorality of Zuma and his backers. But human beings are strange creatures – do we not become desensitized to a horror if we are exposed to it for long enough?
And what about the horrid sexists who might also be fans of Jacob Zuma? Is there not a danger that they will leer over this cartoon and somehow find it exciting or funny?
Lastly, the cartoon will be read in the context of Mr Zuma’s rape trial. Every single person who sees it will remember that Zuma was charged with rape and will make some connection between that charge and this cartoon.
But Zuma was acquitted in his rape trial. Although he said some very sexists and stupid things during his trial and although his supporters behaved appallingly outside the court, we have to respect the fact that he was acquitted because it shows our respect for the judiciary which, Zapiro suggests, Zuma’s supporters do not always show.
By depicting Zuma as a rapist – even in metaphoric terms – is Zapiro not disrespecting the decision by the court and planting the thought in our heads that maybe Zuma is a rapist after all? Is Zapiro in that way not undermining respect for the very judiciary he is purportedly defending by suggesting subliminally that Zuma should have been convicted?
I do not think there are easy answers to these questions. Maybe I am being prudish or overtly sensitive? I remain in two minds myself.
But perhaps we all have a duty when we engage in the public discourse to do so in a way that is not going to fan the flames of sexism, hate and violence. Maybe, just maybe, Zapiro overstepped the boundary in this case.
Source: Pierre de Vos: Constitutionally Speaking
Zapiro speaks out
Cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro on Monday defended his controversial cartoon of Jacob Zuma preparing to rape justice, saying he thought "very, very carefully" before doing it. The African National Congress and its tripartite alliance partners have condemned the cartoon as disgusting, while ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe labelled it racist.
The cartoon, published in the Sunday Times under Shapiro's pen-name Zapiro, shows a blindfolded female figure labelled "justice system", being pinned down by Zuma's political allies. The ANC president is depicted in the cartoon unzipping his pants, while Mantashe urges him: "Go for it, boss!"
Shapiro said he "absolutely" refuted the racism charge, and that his record in the struggle years spoke for itself. "There is a very, very pronounced tendency in this country towards exceptionalism, as if our politicians are more sacrosanct than politicians worldwide. That I take issue with," he said. "I really feel strongly that they have to take a hard look at what they are doing and not use the red herring of racism." He said he was not surprised that the cartoon had provoked strong reaction, as the image was "outrageous", and a "very explosive thing". He had thought "very, very carefully" about how women would view it, and before publication sent it to several women friends whose opinion he trusted. Their immediate reaction was one of shock. However they all then said that the cartoon not only showed graphically what was actually happening to the justice system and constitutional principles, but that it contained a second level of criticism on violence against women in a very patriarchal society.
Shapiro said the blindfolded figure of justice was an allegorical figure going back centuries. "The fact that Jacob Zuma has this personal history is his problem," he said.
Zuma, who is president of the ANC, was charged with raping a young woman in 2006, but was found not guilty. Earlier on Monday the ANC, its youth league and the SA Communist Party said in a joint statement that the cartoon was distasteful and "borders on defamation of character". The organisations said the Sunday Times had disguised abuse as press freedom in publishing it. "The cartoon rubbishes the collective integrity of the alliance and constitutes yet another continued violation of the rights and dignity of the ANC president," they said. The organisations said they had never attacked the judiciary, but criticised unfair treatment of Zuma in the normal public discourse of a democracy. "There can, therefore, be no justification for such unwarranted insult on our leadership by the Sunday Times."
Zapiro, they said, had been "consistent in unwarranted attacks on the movement and its leadership". "In a country where we have a serious scourge of fighting violence against women and in particular rape, we need to be very careful how we use the notion and the concept of rape loosely to demonstrate any form of perceived abuse."
Cosatu also expressed disgust at the cartoon, saying it was in extremely bad taste. In his online blog Constitutionally Speaking, University of the Western Cape constitutional law academic Prof Pierre de Vos said on Monday that though he had always been a great fan of Zapiro, he wondered whether the cartoonist had now gone too far and done something "immoral and ethically deeply problematic". He said he agreed with Zapiro that some of the leaders who had been championing Zuma's cause had acted despicably, and that Zuma, through his silence, had abetted them. However he wondered whether by using the metaphor of rape, Zapiro was not "cheapening" the horror of the act and helping to desensitise people.
De Vos also asked whether Shapiro was undermining respect for the judiciary he was purportedly defending, by suggesting subliminally that Zuma should have been convicted in the rape trial. His piece drew a flood of comments from his readers, most of them disagreeing with him. "It is time someone drew attention to the shocking behaviour of these political figureheads and their most avid supporters," wrote Thea Beckman. "We cannot allow a man who believes loyalty to be above the Constitution to take the reins of our country. Well done Zapiro."
Source: IoL
The cartoon, published in the Sunday Times under Shapiro's pen-name Zapiro, shows a blindfolded female figure labelled "justice system", being pinned down by Zuma's political allies. The ANC president is depicted in the cartoon unzipping his pants, while Mantashe urges him: "Go for it, boss!"
Shapiro said he "absolutely" refuted the racism charge, and that his record in the struggle years spoke for itself. "There is a very, very pronounced tendency in this country towards exceptionalism, as if our politicians are more sacrosanct than politicians worldwide. That I take issue with," he said. "I really feel strongly that they have to take a hard look at what they are doing and not use the red herring of racism." He said he was not surprised that the cartoon had provoked strong reaction, as the image was "outrageous", and a "very explosive thing". He had thought "very, very carefully" about how women would view it, and before publication sent it to several women friends whose opinion he trusted. Their immediate reaction was one of shock. However they all then said that the cartoon not only showed graphically what was actually happening to the justice system and constitutional principles, but that it contained a second level of criticism on violence against women in a very patriarchal society.
Shapiro said the blindfolded figure of justice was an allegorical figure going back centuries. "The fact that Jacob Zuma has this personal history is his problem," he said.
Zuma, who is president of the ANC, was charged with raping a young woman in 2006, but was found not guilty. Earlier on Monday the ANC, its youth league and the SA Communist Party said in a joint statement that the cartoon was distasteful and "borders on defamation of character". The organisations said the Sunday Times had disguised abuse as press freedom in publishing it. "The cartoon rubbishes the collective integrity of the alliance and constitutes yet another continued violation of the rights and dignity of the ANC president," they said. The organisations said they had never attacked the judiciary, but criticised unfair treatment of Zuma in the normal public discourse of a democracy. "There can, therefore, be no justification for such unwarranted insult on our leadership by the Sunday Times."
Zapiro, they said, had been "consistent in unwarranted attacks on the movement and its leadership". "In a country where we have a serious scourge of fighting violence against women and in particular rape, we need to be very careful how we use the notion and the concept of rape loosely to demonstrate any form of perceived abuse."
Cosatu also expressed disgust at the cartoon, saying it was in extremely bad taste. In his online blog Constitutionally Speaking, University of the Western Cape constitutional law academic Prof Pierre de Vos said on Monday that though he had always been a great fan of Zapiro, he wondered whether the cartoonist had now gone too far and done something "immoral and ethically deeply problematic". He said he agreed with Zapiro that some of the leaders who had been championing Zuma's cause had acted despicably, and that Zuma, through his silence, had abetted them. However he wondered whether by using the metaphor of rape, Zapiro was not "cheapening" the horror of the act and helping to desensitise people.
De Vos also asked whether Shapiro was undermining respect for the judiciary he was purportedly defending, by suggesting subliminally that Zuma should have been convicted in the rape trial. His piece drew a flood of comments from his readers, most of them disagreeing with him. "It is time someone drew attention to the shocking behaviour of these political figureheads and their most avid supporters," wrote Thea Beckman. "We cannot allow a man who believes loyalty to be above the Constitution to take the reins of our country. Well done Zapiro."
Source: IoL
Sunday, September 7, 2008
South Africa's Human Rights Reputation Tarnished
As a member of the United Nations security council for two years, South Africa has had many opportunities to speak out forcefully for human rights - or to join those speaking out against them. Again and again, it has chosen the latter course. The South African government's unwillingness to confront President Robert Mugabe on his extremely abusive governance of Zimbabwe is well known to South Africans, and justly controversial. Less well known are the many other important international issues on which the South African government has sided with reactionary rather than progressive forces.
Burma is the best-known case. With Russia and China, South Africa has blocked efforts to condemn the military government's lethal crackdown on peaceful protesters last year. Perhaps the department of foreign affairs has forgotten that, when Burma was still democratic, it demanded that the evils of apartheid, including the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, should be brought before the security council.
The international solidarity movement against apartheid constantly confronted the argument that what happened inside a country's borders was none of the rest of the world's business. That is precisely the argument that the South African government now makes frequently at the security council. It narrowly defines what constitutes a "threat to international peace and security", and insists that all other matters be taken up at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Meanwhile, in Geneva, outside the limelight, South Africa has demonstrated a similar pattern - failing to support key resolutions condemning human rights abuses in countries from Iran to Uzbekistan, and aligning itself with countries whose human rights records are, by anyone's standard, abysmal.
At the UN this month, a diplomatic struggle is shaping up to be South Africa's lowest moment yet. The issue is Darfur, and more specifically the request by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president. The accusation: genocide and crimes against humanity, the world's most serious crimes. News of the warrant request was greeted with joy among the millions of Darfuris who have been driven from their homes by government forces acting in concert with janjaweed militias. Tens of thousands of Africans have died in this civil war, most of them civilians, and most of them as a result of Sudanese government actions.
The Sudanese government has begun a concerted campaign to evade justice for these crimes and the South African government has become its accomplice. Together with Libya, also on the security council, South Africa has been leading an effort to suspend the International Criminal Court's request for the next 12 months. Suspending the request for an arrest warrant would send a clear signal, not only to the Sudanese government, but also to tyrants everywhere that they can continue to cheat justice through international political machination. I was present at the negotiations on the treaty for the International Criminal Court 10 years ago in Rome, and listened with admiration to the speech of Dullah Omar, the South African justice minister, in ringing support of this important new human rights institution. Achieving a strong treaty at those talks was an uphill battle, but we won. Only the steadfast leadership of South Africa, along with a handful of others, overcame the opposition of major powers such as the United States, China and Israel.
The International Criminal Court is not an anti-African institution, as some have alleged. It is a pro-African institution: pro-civilians in Darfur whose villages have been burned to the ground, pro-women in the Democratic Republic of Congo who have been raped in wartime, pro-children in northern Uganda who have been abducted as child soldiers. It is opposed to government and rebel leaders responsible for such crimes, no matter where they live.
The prosecutor has also been looking into situations in Colombia and Afghanistan, as well as crimes committed in the Russian-Georgian armed conflict. It is truly heartbreaking to see South Africa preparing to abandon the court at a critical juncture in its history. Sadly, it appears to be part of a trend that is putting Pretoria's foreign policy on the wrong side of history. Perhaps only a fervent and sustained outcry from South African society can restore the country to its rightful path and begin to repair the damage that has already been done to its reputation.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Burma is the best-known case. With Russia and China, South Africa has blocked efforts to condemn the military government's lethal crackdown on peaceful protesters last year. Perhaps the department of foreign affairs has forgotten that, when Burma was still democratic, it demanded that the evils of apartheid, including the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, should be brought before the security council.
The international solidarity movement against apartheid constantly confronted the argument that what happened inside a country's borders was none of the rest of the world's business. That is precisely the argument that the South African government now makes frequently at the security council. It narrowly defines what constitutes a "threat to international peace and security", and insists that all other matters be taken up at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Meanwhile, in Geneva, outside the limelight, South Africa has demonstrated a similar pattern - failing to support key resolutions condemning human rights abuses in countries from Iran to Uzbekistan, and aligning itself with countries whose human rights records are, by anyone's standard, abysmal.
At the UN this month, a diplomatic struggle is shaping up to be South Africa's lowest moment yet. The issue is Darfur, and more specifically the request by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president. The accusation: genocide and crimes against humanity, the world's most serious crimes. News of the warrant request was greeted with joy among the millions of Darfuris who have been driven from their homes by government forces acting in concert with janjaweed militias. Tens of thousands of Africans have died in this civil war, most of them civilians, and most of them as a result of Sudanese government actions.
The Sudanese government has begun a concerted campaign to evade justice for these crimes and the South African government has become its accomplice. Together with Libya, also on the security council, South Africa has been leading an effort to suspend the International Criminal Court's request for the next 12 months. Suspending the request for an arrest warrant would send a clear signal, not only to the Sudanese government, but also to tyrants everywhere that they can continue to cheat justice through international political machination. I was present at the negotiations on the treaty for the International Criminal Court 10 years ago in Rome, and listened with admiration to the speech of Dullah Omar, the South African justice minister, in ringing support of this important new human rights institution. Achieving a strong treaty at those talks was an uphill battle, but we won. Only the steadfast leadership of South Africa, along with a handful of others, overcame the opposition of major powers such as the United States, China and Israel.
The International Criminal Court is not an anti-African institution, as some have alleged. It is a pro-African institution: pro-civilians in Darfur whose villages have been burned to the ground, pro-women in the Democratic Republic of Congo who have been raped in wartime, pro-children in northern Uganda who have been abducted as child soldiers. It is opposed to government and rebel leaders responsible for such crimes, no matter where they live.
The prosecutor has also been looking into situations in Colombia and Afghanistan, as well as crimes committed in the Russian-Georgian armed conflict. It is truly heartbreaking to see South Africa preparing to abandon the court at a critical juncture in its history. Sadly, it appears to be part of a trend that is putting Pretoria's foreign policy on the wrong side of history. Perhaps only a fervent and sustained outcry from South African society can restore the country to its rightful path and begin to repair the damage that has already been done to its reputation.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Friday, September 5, 2008
Zuma supporters mobilise against court case
Supporters of African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma attempted to force their way into the Pinetown Magistrate's Court on Friday, as colleagues chanted slogans and picketed outside various other courts across the greater Durban area. The protests, arranged by the ANC's eThekwini region, were to be followed by the handing over of memorandums detailing the party's demands, including that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) drop charges against Zuma.
Pinetown police spokesperson Inspector Solomon Mbhele said a crowd of about 1 000 converged outside the court. Some, he said, were armed with sticks. "The protestors were trying to get into the court, but police with riot shields managed to stop them. Some protestors were also throwing the orange cones that were demarcating the surrounding roads," Mbhele said. "There was not too much violence," he said.
John Mchunu, ANC eThekwini general secretary, said that officials closed the door to the court building, preventing the protestors from entering. He said: "We are members of the public, and like them we have a right to enter the building." Meanwhile, a crowd of about 100 were seen picketing outside the Durban Magistrate's Court. Protestors held a big banner that read: "We shall take arms if need be to support ANC president Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma."
In KwaMashu, police spokesperson Constable Siwe Nxumalo reported that at least 300 supporters were protesting outside the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court. At the Umlazi court, police spokesperson Superintendent Danelia Veldhuizen said there were about 100 protesters. There were unconfirmed reports of cases at the court being rolled over due to high noise levels. Captain Edmund Singh said a small group of about 50 protesters had gathered at the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court. Overall, Mchunu declared Friday's protests successful. Another protest is planned for September 10 outside the NPA's offices in Durban.
On the eve of September 12, when Zuma finds out whether Judge Chris Nicholson has ruled in his favour to have the decision to charge him declared unlawful, protesters will converge on Pietermaritzburg's Freedom Square for a night vigil. Zuma faces charges that include corruption and fraud. He was charged in 2005 but that case was struck from the roll in 2006. He was re-charged in December 2007.
Two Thint companies -- Thint Holding (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd and Thint (Pty) Ltd -- are South African subsidiaries of the French arms manufacturing giant Thales International (formerly Thomson-CFS) and they also face similar charges for allegedly paying him bribes.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Pinetown police spokesperson Inspector Solomon Mbhele said a crowd of about 1 000 converged outside the court. Some, he said, were armed with sticks. "The protestors were trying to get into the court, but police with riot shields managed to stop them. Some protestors were also throwing the orange cones that were demarcating the surrounding roads," Mbhele said. "There was not too much violence," he said.
John Mchunu, ANC eThekwini general secretary, said that officials closed the door to the court building, preventing the protestors from entering. He said: "We are members of the public, and like them we have a right to enter the building." Meanwhile, a crowd of about 100 were seen picketing outside the Durban Magistrate's Court. Protestors held a big banner that read: "We shall take arms if need be to support ANC president Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma."
In KwaMashu, police spokesperson Constable Siwe Nxumalo reported that at least 300 supporters were protesting outside the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court. At the Umlazi court, police spokesperson Superintendent Danelia Veldhuizen said there were about 100 protesters. There were unconfirmed reports of cases at the court being rolled over due to high noise levels. Captain Edmund Singh said a small group of about 50 protesters had gathered at the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court. Overall, Mchunu declared Friday's protests successful. Another protest is planned for September 10 outside the NPA's offices in Durban.
On the eve of September 12, when Zuma finds out whether Judge Chris Nicholson has ruled in his favour to have the decision to charge him declared unlawful, protesters will converge on Pietermaritzburg's Freedom Square for a night vigil. Zuma faces charges that include corruption and fraud. He was charged in 2005 but that case was struck from the roll in 2006. He was re-charged in December 2007.
Two Thint companies -- Thint Holding (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd and Thint (Pty) Ltd -- are South African subsidiaries of the French arms manufacturing giant Thales International (formerly Thomson-CFS) and they also face similar charges for allegedly paying him bribes.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
ANCYL takes aim at Scorpions
The “grandiose” media tactics employed by the Scorpions may have influenced the judiciary into believing offences had been committed, the ANC Youth League said on Tuesday.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Fasting not fighting as Muslims mark Ramadan
Muslims around the world this week begin the fasting and feasting month of Ramadan amid hopes of violence easing in some of the Islamic world's conflict hotspots.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Source: Mail & Guardian
Monday, September 1, 2008
Holomisa asks who is in charge of South Africa
Corruption emerged after the ruling African National Congress invested billions on arms and weaponry, said Bantu Holomisa, leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), on Saturday.
Holomisa said it was unclear who was in charge of the country.
"Is it the party in government or their head office outside government?" he asked.
"There have been attacks and manipulation of the Scorpions, the public broadcaster and the judiciary," he said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Holomisa said it was unclear who was in charge of the country.
"Is it the party in government or their head office outside government?" he asked.
"There have been attacks and manipulation of the Scorpions, the public broadcaster and the judiciary," he said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
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