Zuma explains shower comment

2006-05-09 13:54

Johannesburg - Former deputy president Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday his having taken a shower after sex with the complainant was merely an "additional measure" to Aids prevention.

"I didn't say a shower is a cure for Aids," he told reporters in Johannesburg.

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 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 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."

Zuma said the woman who accused him of rape should not be vilified.

"She deserves to live a fruitful and harmonious life as a citizen of this country."

He extended friendship to the women's organisations which protested against him and said: "I hope they will accept the ruling."

Zuma, who was acquitted on Monday of having raped an 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."

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."

Mirror for the public

He said the media was an important tool and a mirror for the public.

He had notified ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe that he intended to resume his duties in the party.

He corrected reports that he was not active in the ANC, saying he had campaigned for the party during the recent municipal elections.

Zuma said there was a campaign against him carried out by "faceless persons".

Asked whether he had ambitions to be president following the trial, Zuma said this was up to the ANC, and that he was ready to do what the party asked of him.

"I've never wanted to be a leader. The ANC will decide after all of it. I'm ready for any task that the ANC gives."

He said he was willing to take any position the African National Congress called him to.

He said his opinions on the possibility of a woman becoming president were in line with party views on the need to empower women.

"I will always go with the ANC view and collective."

Asked whether he thought President Thabo Mbeki was involved in his being accused of rape, Zuma replied: "I don't think I'd want to discuss that but I haven't seen his hand (in the matter)."

Zuma said there has been no communication between him and Mbeki since he was acquitted on Monday.

Asked about his relationship with Mbeki, Zuma said "historically" they were good comrades.

"But I have not seen him in a long time because I have not been in meetings of the structures."

He said he would see Mbeki often as soon as he resumed participating in party bodies.

He denied division in the party and said he was not aware of an Mbeki camp and a Zuma camp.

"I know there are issues with individuals, but I have only read about the split in the media."

Full Zuma verdict

- SAPA