Zuma hailed for sex apology

2006-05-09 20:23

Johannesburg - The Congress of SA Trade Unions has welcomed Jacob Zuma's apology for having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman.

The trade union federation said it agreed with Judge Willem van der Merwe that "it is totally unacceptable that a man should have unprotected sex with a person other than his regular partner and definitely not with a person who, to his knowledge, is HIV-positive".

The union regretted that the African National Congress deputy president broke the ABC rules - abstain, be faithful, and condomise - which helped prevent HIV infection.

"Cosatu however fully accepts Jacob Zuma's apology and his admission that he 'should have been more cautious and more responsible'," said Cosatu.

On Monday, Zuma was acquitted of a rape charge brought against him by a 31-year-old, HIV-positive woman. Judge van der Merwe agreed with Zuma that the two had had consensual sex.

The SA Communist Party also welcomed and accepted Zuma's apology.

'Few leaders have had the courage'

General secretary Blade Nzimande said: "The apology by Comrade Zuma, his reiteration of his commitment to the fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic and the struggle against gender-based violence should be taken as yet another clarion call to redouble our efforts against these scourges."

He urged all South Africans to accept the apology.

"Very few leaders have had the courage to accept their, sometimes, very glaring errors and serious mistakes on matters of this nature."

Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said Zuma was "much enhanced" politically after his trial and acquittal.

He said the acquittal had thrown open the race for the ANC presidency.

"Nobody can say after yesterday who is going to be the next president of the ANC and I think that is a good thing."

Zuma 'scored political points'

He said the fact that the race was now not pre-arranged was good for democracy in South Africa.

Leon said that while Zuma had scored political points, he was personally diminished by the trial.

The Young Communist League (YCL) on Tuesday added its voice to those welcoming Zuma's acquittal, urging South Africans to pledge their support during his upcoming corruption trial.

YCL national secretary Buti Manamela said the verdict confirmed the view that the truth had to be established through a fair process and be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

He said the verdict had put to an end the "malicious innuendo" against Zuma around the rape allegation.

"We would like to re-iterate our position against all forms of women and child abuse, as well as our position on the HIV/Aids prevention strategy. We call on all women who are abused on daily basis to speak out."

loveLife welcomes apology

Meanwhile, the SA National Civic Organisation was "proud" of the outcome of the trial, and said they would support Zuma if he pursued the candidacy for the presidency.

In another arena entirely, loveLife has welcomed Zuma's apology for having unprotected sex.

Chairpersoan of loveLife's advisory board Tokyo Sexwale said it was commendable Zuma had clarified his stance on the prevention of HIV/Aids.

"His acknowledgement that he erred in having unprotected sex and his apology for not having acted with greater responsibility is highly commendable," said Sexwale.

He asked South Africans to support educational campaigns around HIV/Aids.

"We trust the message has gone out loud and clear to everyone: the best way to prevent the spread of HIV and Aids is to abstain, be faithful and condomise," said Sexwale.

- SAPA