Things have taken a terrible turn for the ethically challenged former Deputy President of South Africa – Jacob Zuma.
In this previous article, I commented on the shady financial dealings that compelled President Thabo Mbeki to sack Zuma last June. But back then, his sacking only seemed to increase Zuma’s popularity amongst members of the governing African National Party (ANC) who retained a vested and emotional interest in seeing him succeed Mbeki as president.
That all changed a few weeks ago, however, when it was revealed that credible allegations of rape had been reported against Zuma by a well-known HIV-positive AIDS activist. Because, given that South Africa has one of the highest rape statistics and the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world, these allegations resonated with dispiriting and disillusioning effect – even amongst Zuma’s most loyal supporters. Indeed, the prevalence of rape and HIV/AIDS is such that few people were surprised yesterday when the National Prosecuting Authority concluded their investigation by filing formal rape charges against him.
Zuma’s defense? I did it but it was consensual….
(Naturally, one wonders whether he infected her or whether she infected him. Because odds are that this intelligent and erstwhile respectable man did not wear a condom in the commission of this illicit act?)
Nonetheless, as tragic (or fatal) as Zuma’s fate seems to be, his plight demonstrates the remarkable maturity of South Africa’s 11-year old democracy. And, hopefully, this prosecution of Zuma will serve notice not only to other powerful South Africans but also to powerful men throughout sub-Saharan Africa that money and tribal allegiances no longer guarantee immunity from prosecution for their criminal activities.
Amandla!
News and Politics
LIFEsize says
Interesting site, really like the news angle. i am a South African Journalist. my blog is covering some of the same content as yours occasional. i am more subjective in my outlook and somewhat more ironic and judgemental. i was hoping to engage in a mutual link. please visit my blog: http://reflexit.blogspot.com
Anonymous says
Excellent point about how well this sordid business reflects on the SA government. With corruption and rape being so rife throughout the continent, it’s great to see them setting such a public example that no man is above the rule of law.
Richard