Publication: The Mercury Issued: Date: 2005-11-16 Reporter: Jason Humphries Reporter: Reporter:

Politicians, Business People and Investigators to Testify

 

Publication 

The Mercury
Date 2005-11-16

Reporter

 Jason Humphries

Web Link

www.themercury.co.za

 

Greg Arde raises some important points in his article "Zuma draws the disenchanted" (The Mercury, November 11). On the surface it would appear to simply be a case of a man facing corruption charges, but the truth is that the Jacob Zuma trial represents a far greater struggle - the struggle for the control of the ANC...from Jason Humphries of Durban

Zuma represents every man. He is an old-school leader who represents the old-school ideals of the ANC. President Thabo Mbeki has consistently drawn criticism for his adherence to neo-liberal policies - policies which are, incidentally, at odds with the viewpoints of the ANC's main allies, Cosatu and the South African Communist Party. 

These viewpoints are slowly but surely losing Mbeki his grass-roots support. South Africa's trade unions will not sit still for much longer while their members find themselves increasingly out of work and options. Already countrywide demonstrations to protest against a lack of delivery harken back to the days of apartheid demonstrations.

Cosatu throwing its considerable weight behind Zuma should ensure sleepless nights for Mbeki. With no apparent successor to South Africa's presidency, the result of Zuma's trial could raise some interesting questions about SA's political future.

Jason Humphries
Durban

With acknowledgements to Jason Humphries and Cape Times.