'I'll fight and die for you'
2006-05-08 19:23
Johannesburg - Buoyed by an acquittal in his high-profile rape case, South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma addressed thousands of cheering supporters on Monday, urging them not to be cowed by those in power.
"I thank you for not being frightened because you stood for the truth. No one should be intimidated because he's hated," Zuma told a crowd of several thousand jubilant supporters thronging the streets after his not-guilty verdict was announced.
"You respect the constitution and you'll respect it until the end. You know better than those who write all these things."
Zuma spoke just minutes after a judge found him not guilty of raping an HIV-positive family friend at his Johannesburg home last November, ruling that the two had consensual sex as Zuma's lawyers had argued.
Political analysts say the rape case, coming just before a separate corruption prosecution he faces in July, has badly damaged Zuma, who was once seen as the likely successor to President Thabo Mbeki when his term ends in 2009.
Claims it's a political plot
While Zuma was fired as Mbeki's deputy last year after the corruption scandal, he remains popular with the rank and file in the African National Congress and the Zulus - many of whom turned out to lend their support as he faced Monday's verdict.
Zuma has described the rape charge and corruption cases as part of a political plot by his enemies in the ANC to end his presidential hopes.
To cheers and ululations, the 64-year-old Zuma said he was the victim of powerful forces in society including the educated elite and the media.
"They were trampling on my human rights but they say they are here to enlighten us, the uneducated," said Zuma, who had a long career as an anti-apartheid struggle leader, but never had much formal education.
"I will fight for you and die for you. That is what I joined the struggle for and I will stand for it until I die. I respect you and love you as you love me. Today, the bad dreams and wishes of people are gone."
Zuma is expected to hold a more-formal news conference on Tuesday, which may provide more insight into his plans ahead of the corruption case in July.
Meanwhile, about 2 000 other supporters on their way to Beyers Naude Square returned to Johannesburg High Court after hearing that Zuma had already addressed a crowd there.
Also will celebrate in July
Ivy Diniso said: "We are very disappointed. We wanted to hear Zuma speak, but he has already gone,"
Bheka Mbuthuma said: "Eish, he is gone now. But we are celebrating and we will continue to celebrate in July. We respect the judge and the law."
Large crowds have lingered outside the court discussing the days events. Other supporters were still dancing and whistling, chanting: "Zuma! Zuma!"
Others began moving away from the court in groups, while the police allowed some traffic through the closed streets.
- Reuters