Don't vilify my accuser: Zuma
2006-05-09 12:39
Johannesburg - The woman who accused him of rape should not be vilified, former deputy president Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
"She deserves to live a fruitful and harmonious life as a citizen of this country," he told reporters in Johannesburg.
He said he extends friendship to the women's organisations who protested against him.
"I hope they will accept the ruling."
Zuma, who was acquitted on Monday of having raped and HIV-positive woman, repeated that he was HIV-negative, saying: "I have periodically determined my HIV status and will continue to take the necessary measures to protect myself."
Zuma read from a prepared statement in his first media appearance since his acquittal.
He apologised "unconditionally" for having had unprotected sex with the HIV-positive woman.
"I should have known better and acted with greater responsibility. I erred on this issue and on this I apologise."
He urged the youth to prevent the spread of the disease and fight the stigma associated with it.
The ANC deputy president also said he remained "unwavering" in fighting against gender-based violence, in line with the principles of his party.
He said it was "unfortunate" that his statements in court were taken out of context and seen as policy statements on Aids.
He thanked the ANC, the ANC Women's League, and ANC alliance partners for standing by the principle that an accused is innocent until proven guilty.
"I extend my gratitude to witnesses and good wishes to the prosecution team."
He lambasted the media for trying him in the court of the public opinion.
"Some editors convicted me, I was in prison, that was not right."
He said the media was an important tool and a mirror for the public.
He said he had notified ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe intending to resume his duties in the party.
He corrected reports that he was not active within the ANC, saying he had campaigned for the party during the recent municipal elections.
He said he was willing to take any position the African National Congress called him to.
Zuma said there was a campaign against him carried out by "faceless persons".
Full Zuma verdict
- SAPA