Zuma condemns T-shirt burnings
2005-10-19 20:57
Johannesburg - African National Congress deputy president Jacob Zuma condemned party members on Wednesday for the first time for burning T-shirts bearing the face of President Thabo Mbeki, reported SABC television news.
The T-shirts were burned by Zuma supporters at his court appearance on corruption charges in Durban last week.
"I think what people have done at court is not acceptable," Zuma told a crowd of more than 1 000 students at the Vaal University of Technology at the launch of the African National Congress alliance youth movement's manifesto.
"You cannot burn the symbol of the president of the ANC. You cannot also throw insults to the president. It is unacceptable and we condemn that."
Blade Nzimande, general secretary of the South African Communist Party, also expressed his disapproval.
"They must be careful that these platforms are not used to attack any member of the ANC or the alliance. We continue to persuade our people not to do that," he said.
Zuma told the youth they should have a purpose in life, be responsible and make a difference in society.
Mbeki and Zuma were expected to meet before the end of the week to finalise their blueprint on how the tension in the alliance should be resolved, reported the SABC.
- SAPA