Tutu: I am deeply disturbed

2008-09-22 13:54

Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, reacts at a news conference in Cape Town, South Africa. (AP)

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Cape Town - A statement issued by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

"I am deeply disturbed by recent events in our beloved county. The so-called recalling of the President of our land fits the pattern of the settling of scores and the throwing about of weight that has happened post-Polokwane.

" Why sack two Premiers with only a few months of their terms left to run and then to re-employ one of them in the Presidency if it is not to prove that there are new cocks of the walk?

"Why humiliate the nation's President in this fashion like the two Premiers with only a few months of his term of office left and that without giving him the chance to respond to any charges that the NEC might have laid?

"Ironically one of the reasons Judge Nicholson declared Mr Jacob Zuma's indictment invalid was that the NPA had not afforded him the right to explain why he should not be charged.

"President Mbeki has scored many significant achievements in our economy and in promoting peace in Africa, most recently in Zimbabwe. But he has made many enemies even within his party for his intolerance of challenges and dissent. South Africa puzzled many of our friends by odd foreign policy decisions that betrayed our history on his watch. Those enemies have got their revenge and are gloating as they rub his nose in the mud.

"There is nothing principled about that. It is good old fashioned tit for tat. It is arrogant, cynical opportunism, that at one moment they can, when judges find against them, call the judges 'part of a counter-revolution' and when they do find in their favour represent 'judicial triumph'.

"It is possible that a post-Polokwane purge will hurt some people who could also be plotting their revenge one day. Our country deserves better. The way of retribution leads to a banana republic.

"I am deeply disturbed that the nation, the State, South Africa, has been subordinated to a political party. 'South Africa belongs to all who live in it'; not to any political formation, however powerful.

"Perhaps now we will call for changes in our Constitution. Let our President be elected directly by all South Africans and let us abolish party lists. They are pernicious and produce sycophants. Let our representatives be elected directly by their constituencies. If the reports are accurate that Mr Zuma did not participate in this distressing debate and opposed the 'recall' of his comrade, then I commend him warmly.

"I pray that we will return to civility in our public discourse. Politicians must remember that even the most powerful parties bite the dust at some point especially when they forget those who put them in power.

"We have a wonderful country with wonderful people of all races. For goodness sake let us not sabotage it.

"Let us remember that the Freedom Charter declares: 'The people shall govern'.

"Please let us, the elders, not go to our graves with broken hearts."

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MR Tutu, i wish you had said the same things when mbeki got rid zuma, the deputy health minister..i wish you had said the same things when mbeki refused to to fire jackie selibi and manto shabala amongst all the drunkeness and murder..I think the root cause for the anomisty has been removed within the anc.. the bad apple has been let go and i think what you should be praying for is hope that now the anc can rebuild thier relationships and contunie working for the people like they once did..

...from an elder who always inspires me!!...Oh,by the way folks, Allow me to BOAST a bit, uTata Desmond Tutu happens to be my neighbour in Orlando West, Soweto, Maybe i should camp at his house so as to relish from his fountains of wisdom!!

It's sad that even our own respected leaders are not doing us any good. The current events in our country are definitely not disastrous. Can I request that our leaders, elders, and all other senior citizens start to talk hope. SA has not come to an end. There is still tomorrow. Mbeki has still great life ahead of him.

The Arch has a way with words, which reflects the emotions of every single one of us when we had to listen to the drivel of the comrade SG when he attempted to explain why the cabal decided to can the President. Thank Arxh...for helping us express our feelings...and prayers for an infallible human being who did his best....now let's see if the victors can match his proven past.

I've been waiting to hear from our so called Bishop Tutu. He is forever in Politics and sticking his nose where is does not belong, I wonder how come you've been quite when we people from the groung complained, please dont get me wrong Mr. Mbeki is good when it comes to improving the country's economy, but lacks people's skills. And will the "Great Tutu" not only come out when there's something bad to say about the ANC. ubo thati is shutup

mbeki is a dignified,respectful,intellictual man,and he took a very wise act and before the youth he will always be our leader who brought change and development in our country,he is a man of integrity and no man on earth can change that,we will always appreciate what you have done for us.

The ANC NEC have made a big mistake. Who are they to think that what they are doing this for the best of our Country. This people are maffi?s. Look where Mbalula is today, an NEC member. What did he do to deserve that position (fighting for Zuma?s and neglecting his duties as ANCYL) and the ill-mannered Malema has followed in Mbalula?s footsteps so that he also can occupy a high seat in the NEC. This people have been promised fat slices of cake when Zuma becomes a president after elections next year (watch the space). What ?Zuma and NEC are going to do is to enrich themselves and that?s what Mr Mbeki was against (corruption). All these people in the NEC are corrupt that is why they have decided to ex Mr Mbeki. I know why Zuma did not make the announcement to of re-calling of Mr Mbeki, he knows that we will think that this is a revenge because Mr Mbeki fired him as deputy president. It is of course revenge. I am not ANC supporter, but I have always held utmost respect for Mr Mbeki. He has achieved remarkably on the international map. Zuma isn't half the man Mr Mbeki is. We call him Mr Mbeki you idiot Malema not just Mbeki. Who bought you up? Did?nt they teach you manners? You don?t have respect for elders. ANC NEC must know that there is more than 43 millions South African?s and not all of us are ANC members/supporters. Who in their right mind would like to be led by a rapist and thief? ANC, NEC and ANCYL are in for a big surprise come next year's elections. I hope other parties grabs these opportunity with both hands. I will never in this life vote for selfish, mafia ANC. Mr Mbeki, I am so happy to have had a President like you, you must hold your head high because you have done well for our country, the economy, our affiliation at the UN, Sudan and Zimbabwe. I am so disappointed in the so called NEC of the ANC who doesn't take in consideration the interests of the nation. Isn't it amazing who orchestrated the down fall of Mr Mbeki - Zuma, facing charges of having his snout too deep in the feeding trough; Phosa, kicked out by Mbeki for being hopeless (he tried his hand at business, but failed there); Sexwale and the idiots of the youth league. Zuma's problem is how he is going to contain the ANCYL who are going to reckon he owes them a big favour by making him the president of the Country. ANC, if you have people like Zuma, Malema, Mbalula, Phosa, Vavi and the sort, open you eyes, you are going down the drain.

I am so glad, Tutu is hurt for he hated Zuma and wanted him to step down when Squires J mentioned his name on his judgemnt, Tutu stop being a hypocrite accept the same when it's Mbeki term, he also did not afford Zuma an opportunity to explain himself he relieved him of his duties much to your sadistic pleasure, so he also must go because Nicholson J mentioned him in a very negative light in his judgment, stop judging by hypocritical standandards and be a man of God once in your life!

Refering to the last sentence: I sincerely hope that if it should happen that you go to your grave with a broken heart, it will at least be knowing how much South Africa aprreciated you. I hope that the human hearts be awakened in Zuma, Malema, Vavi... Please do not forget what Madiba and Bishop Tutu tought you.

It must be understood that before one is popular politically s/he comes from a political organisation, having the present situation.No leader of the ANC have the powers to run the organisation as his irrespective of his experience, influence or service. THE most important way is to consult.

Sadly Dear Archbishop I don't think! not even your voice will be heard. Power & Greed will forever be the order of the day. It's better to fail whilst having tried than sit on the side lines having never tried at all... Farewell Mr. Mbeki

The ANC was trying to get revenge for Zuma and also to try and distract people from the fact that Zuma is still suspected of corruption.WHY DID ZUMA SAY THAT HE WILL BRING MANY OTHERS DOWN WITH HIM IF HE IS PROSECUTED. Shame on you Zuma ! I would be ashamed to consider him a future president ! Where is the JUSTICE ?!! How dare they "recall" Mbeki without him being proven guilty of anything while Zuma is treated like an Angel. NO FAIR ! The people will show their anger at the polls !

Thank you Archbishop Tutu for saying what many of us think and feel. You asking not to be sent to your grave with a broken heart, really struck a chord. I am sure Mr Mandela already has a broken heart as he watches what he worked so hard for go up in flames. Voting for an individual instead of a party is the best idea I have heard yet.

Agree wholeheartedly with Desmond Tutu. Thabo Mbeki only had a few months left of his term. They should have let him finish his term in office. This blatant political bullying is rubbish. I'm certainly nervous about our future following this type of behaviour.

its so unfortunate Tata that the elders like you and Madiba will go to your graves with painful hearts as ANC has turned to a camp of hooligans like Julius Malema and stupid mobs who are iliterate like their president Jacob Zuma. education is the best key.

I am a staunch Mbeki loyalist who thinks that the ANC's decision to purge Mbeki will haunt the ruling party for years to come. The influence of the ANCYL in party decisions is a worrying factor as it now seems that decisions are now taken by the ANCYL led by Malema before meetings of the NEC are held. This is gross disrespect to the ANC led by JZ and co.

The whole thing you saying has confirm to me that George Bush and Jesus Christ is one and the same person. Hope you new all these good things about the us citizens before your gay and lesbian aprovall in our country. You are biase even though I am not Dr Showers fan. May the Unbiase god increase you in faith. I said so.