Publication: Sapa Issued: Johannesburg Date: 2005-11-13 Reporter: Sapa

DA Dismayed by Speaker Attending Zuma Hearing

 

Publication 

Sapa
BC-COURT-ZUMA

Date

2005-11-13

Issued

Johannesburg

Reporter

 Sapa

 

Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said on Sunday he noted with dismay the decision by the Speaker of Parliament, Baleka Mbete, to attend the weekend Durban court appearance of Jacob Zuma, along with other key ANC figures such as KwaZulu-Natal Premier S'bu Ndebele and ANC secretary general Kgalema Motlanthe.

"The Speaker's first duty is to parliament and not to the factional interests of the ANC," Leon said in a statement.

"This is particularly so in the case of the Zuma trial, because Jacob Zuma resigned from parliament before he could appear in front of the ethics committee.

"The decision by the Speaker and sections of the ANC leadership to align themselves with Jacob Zuma while at the same time claiming that government is at the forefront of the fight against corruption, reveals yet again the fatal ambivalence that defines the ANC when it comes to the fight against corruption and protecting the independence of the judiciary."

By attending the trial to demonstrate their support for Zuma they convey the unfortunate message that they dissociate themselves from the president's praiseworthy action in firing Zuma when he became involved in a corruption scandal.

Instead of promoting a political agenda, the party leadership should set an example to the ANC rank and file, said Leon.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.