Publication: Sunday Times Issued: Date: 2005-08-28 Reporter: Brendan Boyle Reporter: Ndivhuho Mafela Reporter: Paddy Harper

Mbeki Throws Down the Gauntlet

 

Publication 

Sunday Times
Date

2005-08-28

Reporter

 Brendan Boyle,
Ndivhuho Mafela,
Paddy Harper

Web link

 

President proposes an internal inquiry into all allegations of factionalism in the tripartite alliance

[]‘There was an understanding that we have to work within the constraints of these resolutions, but that we cannot ask for action that undermines the judiciary or the Constitution’[]

Alliance leaders were hammered this week for a lack of leadership in the row over former Deputy President Jacob Zuma’s prosecution, with the ANC bearing the brunt of the criticism at a marathon meeting with Cosatu and SACP officials.

After agreeing to work together to repair the damage, relations were soured again on Friday, when Mbeki unilaterally released a letter he had sent to the meeting. In the letter, which was read after midnight as negotiators prepared to head home, Mbeki proposed a commission of inquiry to clear himself of allegations of conspiring to destroy Zuma’s political career.

“I am informed that some within our broad movement, who believe that Deputy President Zuma is a victim of a counter-revolutionary, capitalist and neo-liberal offensive, are convinced that as President of the ANC and the Republic, I occupy the leading position in the political onslaught against Deputy President Zuma.

“I understand that these are spreading the story that, presumably for counter-revolutionary reasons, I am opposed to comrade Zuma becoming president of the ANC and the Republic.”

Mbeki proposed an internal inquiry into all allegations of factionalism in the alliance and offered to appear and truthfully answer any questions put to him.

Participants said the letter, introduced by secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe, was not discussed. The meeting resolved, instead, to refer it to the alliance secretariat and to discuss it at a future 10-a-side meeting of alliance leaders.

SACP spokesman Kaizer Mohau condemned Mbeki’s decision to publish his letter on the ANC website on Friday, saying: “Our understanding, in line with alliance protocols, was that it was one of the internal documents of the alliance for further consideration.”

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi declined to comment on the content of the letter yesterday. “We want to develop a much more comprehensive and considered view to that proposal. It has both positives and negatives and these must be weighed properly,” he said.

In more than nine hours of vigorous discussion before the letter was tabled, ANC leaders conceded they had failed to explain the context and “overall conceptualisation” of the Zuma crisis to members of the party and its partners.

While Mbeki spoke about the danger of perceptions in the letter, top ANC strategist Joel Netshitenzhe said there were perceptions also of conspiracy within the Zuma camp, where supporters were rumoured to be divvying up seats in a possible Zuma Cabinet.

Delegates said Netshitenzhe did not directly accuse Zuma of promising positions, but used this as an example of the kind of rumours doing the rounds.

It was agreed that the ANC’s National Executive Committee, the highest decision-making body between congresses, would hold the first comprehensive discussion on the Zuma affair at a meeting scheduled for September.

Participants at the meeting ­ called to calm tempers after the Scorpions raided Zuma and his allies ­ said they were disappointed that Zuma and President Mbeki did not attend.

“Their absence was regretted,” said one of several participants who spoke to the Sunday Times on condition of anonymity.

“There was a definite sense that people had wanted them there, but there was an acceptance that they were unable to attend for very real logistical reasons,” said another.

Mbeki was on leave this week until Friday, when he flew to Burundi for the presidential inauguration of former Hutu rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza, an aide said. Zuma, who left for Burundi on Wednesday, met Mbeki briefly on Friday to brief him on the event.

Participants said that while there was no comprehensive agreement on Zuma’s future, there was some accord on how to manage the political crisis.

The Cosatu delegation insisted that last week’s central committee resolutions demanding that Zuma’s prosecution be halted and he be reinstated to his Cabinet position could not be revoked.

But ANC and SACP participants said the resolutions were accepted as decisions that needed to be managed rather than implemented.

“There was an acceptance that we need to help Cosatu out of the corner into which they have painted themselves,” said one delegate.

“There was an understanding that we have to work within the constraints of these resolutions, but that we cannot ask for action that undermines the judiciary or the Constitution ... we must find a way forward,” said another.

A call in the alliance statement released on Thursday for the state to consider funding Zuma’s defence should be seen as a signal that all parties accept he will have to stand trial, delegates said.

Cosatu’s special central executive committee (CEC) meeting will on Wednesday determine whether or not to go ahead with campaigns in support of Zuma, including a million signature campaign mooted by its KwaZulu-Natal structures.

Cosatu KwaZulu-Natal secretary Zet Luzipho said it was “too early” to say whether the outcome of this week’s alliance meeting and Mbeki’s release of his letter would ease or exacerbate tensions.

However, with Mbeki’s intervention upping the ante, it is unlikely that Zuma’s supporters in Cosatu will allow the federation to back down.

Some believe that Mbeki’s attempt to outflank them may have been a miscalculation which will backfire.

“This is another move in the chess game, but this time it is more of an act of desperation,” said one senior alliance leader.

Luzipho said the alliance in KwaZulu-Natal would meet tomorrow to discuss its programme of action around the Zuma affair.

Among the issues tabled would be the campaigns in support of the sacked deputy president, he said.

With acknowlegements to Brendan Boyle, Ndivhuho Mafela, Paddy Harper and the Sunday Times.


*1  When it suits, apply the external (judicial) commission of enquiry - al la Hefer, live on SABC TV.

When it suits, apply the internal commission of enquiry - a window-less boardroom of Shell House with an appointed party champion presiding; a terse press release at conclusion.