SA approves of Zuma axing

2005-10-22 10:17

Deon de Lange

Johannesburg - More than two thirds of the country's people agree with the manner in which former deputy president Jacob Zuma was fired by President Thabo Mbeki.

But in KwaZulu-Natal this figure comes up to a bare 20% and only eight percent of Zulu speakers in the province support the president's action.

Results of research by Research Surveys (RS), undertaken in August among a representative group of 3 500 citizens of rural as well as urban areas, were announced on Friday.

The research shows that Zuma's support in his home province is overwhelming, especially among the younger, poorer Zulu speakers.

Countrywide approximately 62% of black people (more than the national average) support the president's decision, but in KwaZulu-Natal this figure drops to a mere nine percent, and to five percent among poorer people.

Most say courts should be respected

Residents of Mpumalanga also show a degree of support for Zuma, with less than half (46%) approving of his dismissal.

It was not possible to clearly establish the support for Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who replaced Zuma.

Countrywide approximately 47% support her appointment but 39% are opposed.

As could be expected she receives the least support in KwaZulu-Natal, where a mere 19% approve of her appointment.

Northern Capers were also lukewarm, with only 31% in favour.

The report warns that a "disconcerting trend existed among especially Zuma supporters not to respect the judicial process".

Although 71% of respondents countrywide say the courts must be respected, the report warns that almost a quarter of respondents indicated that court decisions could be ignored if one did not agree with them.

"The KwaZulu-Natal philosophy that it is acceptable to disregard court judgments gives reason to be concerned," the research report says.

- Beeld