ANCYL wants Zuma cleared

2003-09-22 20:02

Johannesburg - The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) called on the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) on Monday to clear Deputy President Jacob Zuma of allegations of bribery connected to the country's multi-billion rand arms deal.

"We note that the manner in which this matter was closed is improper and unfortunate, as it left a dark cloud hanging over the deputy president's head," ANCYL president Malusi Gigaba said.

The organisation's national executive committee (NEC) resolved to make the call at its meeting in Johannesburg at the weekend.

"The committee is unanimous that the deputy president must be cleared immediately by the NPA."

Zuma and NPA head Bulelani Ngcuka have been at loggerheads since the elite Scorpions detective unit announced it was investigating Zuma on bribery allegations related to the arms deal.

Ngcuka said the NPA had prima facie evidence against Zuma, but would not prosecute him on grounds that it might not win the case because of insufficient evidence.

Gigaba said on Monday NPA's withdrawal to prosecute Zuma and the secret meeting it held with black editors have left many questions in the mind of the public.

"We demand a statement from the NPA saying the deputy president is totally cleared."

Asked what he meant by "cleared" taking into account Ngcuka withdrew from prosecuting Zuma, he said: "We can't leave with the impression that some sort of evidence is there to convict the deputy president but because of his status he can't be touched.

'Remove dark cloud'

"Those responsible for investigation must remove this dark cloud over Zuma if there is nothing to suggest he has done anything.

"We reiterate our belief in the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and hence we register our disappointment at the treatment of Zuma, who has been subjected to jungle law and gross injustice."

Gigaba said the NEC's demand did not show mean the youth league was undermining the work of the NPA and Ngcuka.

"We have high regard for Mr Ngcuka and the NPA but what we disagree with them is the way they had carried out this particular issue."

He said the NEC also expressed dismay over cases of racism that it says go unchallenged in previously Afrikaner tertiary institutions such as Rand Afrikaans University.

"At this institution black people in general and Africans in particular are subjects of torture, prejudice and assault.

"We intend activating our branches at such institutions to embark on programmes against racism."

Gigaba said the youth league would approach the Human Right Commission to assist in this regard.

"We want the commission to make a comprehensive study on these particular institutions and formulate proposals since these universities can not change on their own."

On youth economic empowerment, the NEC reiterated its impatience with the rate of youth unemployment.

"We call on the government to accelerate the implementation of programmes aimed at addressing this matter, including the follow up of the recently held job summit decisions on youth," Gigaba said.

- SAPA