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YOUR STORY
Blackmailing the nation
08/09/2008 08:59  - (SA)  

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  • Rivaan Roopnarain, News24 User

    If ever there was any doubt, it has now all but evaporated...

    It has become increasingly clear what the "fans" - and I use term loosely - of ANC President Jacob Zuma are attempting to do, and the more one realises it, the more frightening it becomes.

    Last Friday, several hundreds of protestors gathered, not for the first time, outside various Durban courts, picketing, chanting slogans and demonstrating hooliganism, as they do, to show support and solidarity for the ANC President.

    Off course, one can't help but admire the sheer blindness with which Jacob Zuma attracts support.

    Who could forget that when Zuma faced charges in court for rape allegations, these very supporters openly declared "Burn the Bitch".

    What would you do?

    Several worrying considerations emerge from the sustained and systematic display of senseless behaviour by individuals who have now made it quite clear that they are more than wilfully prepared to not only "go to prison for Zuma", but to "kill and die for Zuma" as well.

    It is needless to say that a fairly significant number of these protestors probably have no idea as to precisely why it is that they're prepared to go to such lengths for the man, yet they are quite ready to do so nevertheless. Mob mentality, you see, has such appeal to those who lack a certain measure of common sense.

    This situation is even more concerning when one suggests it is as if the supporters of Jacob Zuma are blackmailing the country, by saying that they will continue to disrupt the nation, continue to make dangerous threats and continue to behave in such anarchic fashion until such time that the country realises that pursuing the prosecution of Jacob Zuma comes at a cost too damaging and too disruptive to civil society.

    The goal that supporters are unswerving in their belief of attaining, thus, could very well go something like: "As long you persist with pursuing the criminal prosecution of our leader, we will persist to threaten anarchy, and eventually, bring the nation to such anarchy."

    Test it in court

    What is terribly confusing, then, becomes rather quite simple: If there are allegations against any person, and such a person is adamant of their innocence, then why not let the allegations be freely tested in a court of law? Why are these same supporters going to such extremes at every instance an allegation is levelled against Jacob Zuma, to have the allegations squashed and not tested in court?

    The behaviour of these supporters to so candidly and blatantly advertise for justice to be subverted can be described by no word other than anarchy. By failing to reign in these wild anarchists and loudly dismiss their lurid messages, Jacob Zuma, by implication, becomes a tacit anarchist.

    It is duly commendable that up to this point the judiciary and prosecution have appeared un-phased by the malicious behaviour of these ruthless supporters, and for the sake of our nation, we can only hope that they remain firmly rooted in the notion that the law must, under any circumstances, be respected and must run its course.

    Is this one man, with an already potent perception of being corruptible, really going to ride on the crest of a wave of violence, bloodshed and idiocy to the highest office in the land, bringing the country to its knees in his wake?

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      We are supporting our leader
    08/09/2008 09:09
    If we are doing anything illegal, arrest us. Jacob Zuma is our leader. - Jabu Pule
     
      Well written!
    08/09/2008 09:10
    What a well written article Rivaan! Your grammar and spelling make the majority of the responders on this forum (both black and white)look like uneducated racist morons! Unfortunately you are going to hear from them pretty soon - they don't tolerate sensible, well written articles. Of course given their inability to spell you might battle to understand what they are trying to say - it's generally drivel anyway so just ignore it! - Mark N
     
      well said....
    08/09/2008 09:14
    "sheer blindness with which Jacob Zuma attracts support." this is the same mentality that the supports of bob have up in zim, i just cant understand it - nerd
     
      Zuma
    08/09/2008 09:16
    Yes, he is..... - cedb00
     
      Blackmail
    08/09/2008 09:17
    The statements "kill for Zuma" that has been uttered recently is all part of a plan to find some "political" outcome for Zuma. The argument is that it would be in the "interest" of the country to abandon the case against JZ as the country would be destabalised should he go to court. These statements are made for a reason, to give "credibility" to the argument that a "political" outcome is required.All very cleverly orchestrated! - GE
     
      @Jabu Pule
    08/09/2008 09:18
    Hitler was the leader of the German people - should he have been protected as well? Zuma's supporters' naivety never ceases to astound me! You would support him even if the were irrefutable proof that he committed a crime. Clearly honesty and integrity are not important to you and that will be the downfall of this country - but only if the sensible, honest majority allow it to happen. - Mark N
     
      @Jabu
    08/09/2008 09:19
    You follow your "leader" blindly. Your attitude stinks and your thinking is an embarrasment to your nation. Don't be so stubborn to believe that he is innocent!There is too much incriminating evidence and its far more likely that he's guilty. Your display of blind support gives testament to your backward thinking. Aspiring to be lead by an uneducated criminal speaks volumes to the world of your mentality! Please think for yourself! - Justice will prevail
     
      Excellent!!
    08/09/2008 09:22
    Rivaan. Well done on an excellently written and well thought out piece. Lets see if any JZ supporters can give a meaningful, logical response that isn't filled with racism and backward mentality. - Justice will prevail
     
      zuma
    08/09/2008 09:23
    Great! Hopefully all of us as south africans can stand together to make sure that the truth will come out and the law must go its way no matter what or who!!! If you are inocent there will be no problem of giong to court and to show your inocens. If this does not happen then we can say hi to the new Zimbabwe! - zuma
     
      Well written..
    08/09/2008 09:23
    I am always impressed by the quality of your grammar and choice of words. You definitely were paying attention in class reading and writing 101. Another well written work. Keep it up. - navs
     
      @Jabu Pule
    08/09/2008 09:25
    Raviaan, well written. Jabu, It is clear that you form part of the mob Pshycology Raviaan is talking about: "those who lack a certain measure of common sense." You are just like the Mugabe supporters that will some one who will manipulate you and drive you and the country in to more poverty. You were quick to jump on your horse not even realizing what you doing wrong. Unfortunately there is no law against stupidity. - Get Real
     
      Jabu Pule
    08/09/2008 09:26
    yes he is your leader and i as an ANC supporte is my leader but, threats like Kill for Zuma literally or not are unacceptable, slogans like bring my AK literally or not is unacceptable, i think the time is now to vote for other party than the ANC next because once the current NEC holds office this country is going to be a military ruled one - morena
     
      Blackmailing the nation
    08/09/2008 09:26
    which nation are you talking about? we cannot as South Africans condone selective justice. My friend South Africans do want want this case to go on as it is an embarrasment to our democracy, the masses want this case thrown out of court, you might have an agenda against revolution leaders, but my friend this is an African soil and Africans rule. - bonjo
     
      The new SA democracy
    08/09/2008 09:27
    I agree that the country is being blacmailed by the hooligans who threaten violence and are HRC approved thugs. It seems the new democracy is one where 2000 people in Polekwane tells the other 49million what will happen or else...! - Dries
     
      JZ support
    08/09/2008 09:27
    They "blindly" follow because they know no better. JZ may be corruptable, but he has told Cosatu and Malema that they will prosper under him if they play there cards right. The problem comes when the majority of people who are looking for a saviour. JZ has been touted as this saviour. I fear that the worst will come when the majority realise that they'll get nothing from JZ, Cosatu and Malema! But it'll take a lot of "trouble" before the uneducated realise this, so we have JZ for the next 27year - rich
     
      Another brilliant piece!
    08/09/2008 09:28
    Well done & keep it up! Excellent choice of grammar noted in all your articles.... - sonja
     
      Excellent!!!
    08/09/2008 09:29
    Thanks Rivaan...your article is the best I have read in the last few months!!! This last month especially has seen some very poor writing and logic! Well said...I agree with you 100%! - KS
     
      Typical
    08/09/2008 09:29
    Good Article, it goes to show the mentality of the followers of Jacob Zuma, I fear to say but cannot see one educated person amongst the millions supporting him, goes to shown, look at the mentality of the first response Jabu Pule. By running around telling people that they will be killed if they go against Zuma is a punishable offence, which makes it ILLEGAL Jabu Pule?IDIOT. - Martin
     
      Agree
    08/09/2008 09:29
    And a well constructed and written article. Makes a lot of sense, and highlights the dire consequences of these actions. Lets hope some sanity prevails soon!! - GW
     
      GE
    08/09/2008 09:30
    but GE who would destabalise the country, most people i know and most i've spoken to don't support Zuma some of those that support him won't kill for him nor die for him. the majority of SA's are not going to go down with him, bad thing to say but i hope his stress level are empowering the u know what virus - morena
     
      You are so right...
    08/09/2008 09:32
    This country is being held to ransom. How these people can suppport somebody they have chosen to be their leader and who is very clearly a criminal is beyond me. He pleaded for the press to stop condeming him and let him have his day in court. Now that he is about to hav his day in court he is doing everything possible to prevent that. Probably because the state has now got irrefutable evidence against him, which he thought they would not get hold of. Just show how corrupt this man is and yet his followers still support him loyally. Why on earth would they actually choose somebody that we already know will defraud our country. We don't even have to wait and see. Surely we have somebody better to offer as a presidential candidate, or is this the best the ANC has to offer. Makes me shudder to think what the others are like if this is their leader. The one they offer up to the world as being what South Africa represents. - Karen
     
      New phrase for Zuma Supporters
    08/09/2008 09:34
    "Guilty until proven innocent" - Sinudeity
     
      Why bother
    08/09/2008 09:35
    R. Another article that makes sence to only a handfull of people.I can't help to wonder when we will realise that there will not be a respectable leader in our lifetime,as the support will always be for the person who sides with the masses!In SA's case the masses are uneducated and propaganda dependent,social stability will never be achieved in a nation that thrives on decay.The stats are against any person or group trying to make a positive change as part of a socialy evolved group. - Mike
     
      Very worrying!
    08/09/2008 09:36
    Most worrying for me is not the hooligans' blind support for the man, but the fact that he, as our future president (sad to say!), approve of their actions by not speaking out against it! Maybe Mr. Jabu Pule can give us a few more "pearls"? I surely need a laugh this morning... - Grootkrokkodil
     
      Zuma is the true leader of the SA nation
    08/09/2008 09:37
    Please leave our great leader alone. He is the only true leader of SA. He will bring changes to SA that you have never seen in life and people will then realise his real potential. - Thabo Z
     
      Well done
    08/09/2008 09:37
    Rivaan. Credit to your article. I think that this is one of the best I have read yet. We all will have to make our stand on election date and make sure we are counted against the Jacob Zuma Supportives. If they win at least there will police within the government watching. The previous generation bled for Peace and this Generation wants Violence again. Why? I still have faith in SA, it is the best country by far. SA needs better Leaders who inspire and motivate to inspire positive attitudes. - Bradley
     
      Hero of the Uneducated
    08/09/2008 09:38
    What other country in the world, will elect a President that only has Standard 8?! Sure, the man may be a smooth talker, and he may surround himself with knowledgable people (Yeah right). But unfortunately, you need someone with a bit more brains leading a country. This isn't Eskom after all. - Sinudeity
     
      Zuma is no fool...
    08/09/2008 09:38
    Zuma is under the spotlight. He's no fool and he sure doesn't want to fail! I'm sure his critics and opponents will be surprised, just as Madiba's & Mbeki's critics were. All those who packed & left SA in early 90s fearing a black government were surprised and many of them came back. - Linds
     
      Double standards
    08/09/2008 09:39
    We will kill for Jacob Zuma and don't apologize. Then complain about the cartoon in Sunday Times. I remember a time when people had such narrow minds. These people are abusing the power given to them by doing what is good for a few people at the expense of others. Follow our will or pay the price. And we wonder why Africa remains behind the rest of the world. - Jason
     
      Why bother...
    08/09/2008 09:39
    If only everyone making statements that shows their primitive mentality could only do us all a favor and return to dust. - Mike
     
      Morena
    08/09/2008 09:41
    It is about creating that impression through those kinds of statements. It has been put forward that a political outcome is necessary to keep the peace. Thus,to support their argument that peace is at risk they point to statements like these and say, look people are willing to die for JZ, a political outcome is the only way. - GE
     
      Worrying
    08/09/2008 09:41
    Good article Rivaan. What I find really worrying is that JZ has not spoken out against the "kill" statements. By not openly condemning these statements, he's actually encouraging them. - Jann
     
      Zuma supporters
    08/09/2008 09:41
    There may be lots of JZ supporters but I believe there is a significantly larger group of South Africans who aren't. This larger group is growing day by day and we won't tolerate violence and intimidation from suicidal JZ supporters. Remember its always the small dog that makes the most noise! - Justice will prevail
     
      @bonjo - I don't think it is the masses
    08/09/2008 09:42
    You say in your comment that South Africans want this case to go to court, but the masses want it thrown out. I actually believe it is the opposite (maybe I am just being hopeful). The turnouts at these "rallys" are not nearly as good as the ANCYL are threatening that they will be. My hope is that there are a few thousand blind idiots, but the majority (ie: the masses) are actually against throwing the case out and find the behaviour of this small group embarrassing and degrading. - Karen
     
      So you are back
    08/09/2008 09:43
    Can we read something new and interesting, i won't waste my time trying to explain common issues to the COMMENTATORS WHO ARE SELECTIVE IN THEIR ANALYSIS. IMPORTANT MASSAGE PRESIDENT JACOB MSHOLOZI ZUMA IS HARD AT WORK ALLAYING THE FEARS OF THE ELITE BUT HE HAS PROMISED THAT HE WONT GIVE US THE MACHINE GUNS UNLESS YOU CONTINUE TO INSIST THAT HE GOES TO PRISON, MAYBE UNION BUILDING IS A NEW PRISON CAUSE THAT WHERE HE IS GOING. - Paul Montele
     
      Lack of Morals
    08/09/2008 09:43
    WELL WRITTEN, I FAIL TO REALISE HOW "PEOPLE" CAN STAND BEHIND A "MAN" WHO SAYS HE TAKES A SHOWER AFETER UNPROTECTED SEX TO, WHO SINGS GIVE ME MY MISSION GUN...THOSE "PEOPLE" NEED TO REALISE THAT WE NEED A LEADER AND NOT A DICKTATOR WHO IS OLD AND COMES FROM THE OLD SA AND WANTS TO RUN NEW SA. THE N.E.C IS FULL OF CONVICTED CRIMINALS, HOW IS THIS COUNTRY GOING TO SURVIVE? - Undertaker
     
      @pule and all who will follow
    08/09/2008 09:45
    There is a simple test to tell if what you are doing is right. Imagine the same support and posturing being displayed by supporters of the Boeremag accused, or Aglioti, or Lollie Jackson. If that makes your stomach turn, then its wrong for ANY one to do it. - Norm
     
      Why bother...
    08/09/2008 09:46
    If only everyone making statements that shows their primitive mentality could only do us all a favor and return to dust. - Mike
     
      Change in SA
    08/09/2008 09:46
    I cant wait for Zuma's trail to start. The way he is fighting against it, it must be serious for him. Hopefully, it will send a message to ALL the other corrupt ANC officials. YOU ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW ESSE! - Sinudeity
     
      Thabo Z - Zuma
    08/09/2008 09:47
    Thabo, Zuma might be YOUR true leader. But he's not mine, and he's not the countries. He is a scumbag, and I do believe South Africa is better than that. Even if just barely. - Sinudeity
     
      Zuma
    08/09/2008 09:48
    Thoughtfull and eriudte article. Well done but now watch your back! - Jawellnofine
     
      @Jabu and other JZ supporters
    08/09/2008 09:49
    There is nothing noble or honorable about unconditionally supporting someone who has clearly displayed his lack of morals, corruptability and someone who will obviously let you down. It is an embarrassing display to the world of a crippled mindset and mentality. - Justice will prevail
     
      Democracy for all
    08/09/2008 09:49
    That means the most subjective moron cancels out the most educated objective vote. The ratio of that in SA is 20:1 and growing, usually an education and some smarts would sort that out, otherwise it makes the population ripe for manipulation. Bad to worse here I am afraid. - AJ
     
      I'm not blind, maybe idiots are polically blind
    08/09/2008 09:49
    Viva ANC. This case is political, it needs political settlement you idiots. - Jabu Pule
     
      Great article
    08/09/2008 09:51
    A solidly written letter; couldn't agree more. I want the court case to go ahead because I am hoping that the Arms Deal will be fully investigated and ALL the corruption exposed; is this possibly why the supporters of JZ don't want the case to go ahead? Remember the "diplomatic" JZ remark - "I will take others down with me"? - Dave Robbins
     
      When
    08/09/2008 09:52
    Mbeki came into office, its what the nation wanted, now they hate him and want him out. Now its Zuma the nation wants in office, and again he will do nothing for this "nation" but fill up his pockets. Its backward followers as yourself JABU that continue driving this country into the ground. I vote DA - sara
     
      @Thabo
    08/09/2008 09:52
    Its not good enough to support someone who has "potential". You'd be better off supporting someone with an already proven trach record!! In addition, Zuma is not the "true" leader of the nation. There are millions and millions who do not follow him. Including the economic backbone of the country!! - Justice will prevail
     
      Zuma's only honourable option
    08/09/2008 09:53
    Zuma must realise that he has brought great uncertainty and turmoil to our country with possible disastrous consequences (economic and political) for both his supporters and all rational S. Africans. The only time I will have an iota of respect for Zuma is when he realises the folly of his ways & withdraw from the presidential race. - PC
     
      Zuma's only honourable option
    08/09/2008 09:54
    Zuma must realise that he has brought great uncertainty and turmoil to our country with possible disastrous consequences (economic and political) for both his supporters and all rational S. Africans. The only time I will have an iota of respect for Zuma is when he realises the folly of his ways & withdraw from the presidential race. - PC
     
      The Justice Leage
    08/09/2008 09:54
    Clearing Zuma without a the justice system taking it's full and fair course will be an insult to the people of this country. These freedom fighters who want to kill for Zuma must be taken to task, if our own government is unable to do this, help must be sought from the West. - The Prophet
     
      Well well well
    08/09/2008 09:54
    Rivaan, I doubt anybody could have said it better. Well done, nice article. I can't see how anybody can argus with that. Er, but they will. Ho-hum! - Marcd
     
      Not political, criminal
    08/09/2008 09:55
    Jabu, the allegation is that he benefited illegally from the arms deal. That is not political, it is criminal. If JZ is innocent, then he should not be worried about fighting this in court. - Jan
     
      Jabu Pule - Political
    08/09/2008 09:55
    Zuma and his propaganda division will have you BELIEVE its political. What would you call it, if a politicial commits a crime? The ONLY political thing here, is that he's the ONLY one under the microscope for Armsdeal scandal. There is TOO much corruption going on in the ANC. Zuma is only #1 on the list. I will pick up my machine gun, to stand up for Democracy, and law and order. NOBODY is above the law. Not even Zuma. - Sinudeity
     
      Well Jabu Pule
    08/09/2008 09:55
    Some of these guys don't know where JZ is coming from he has been one of us for a long time and his leadership qualities are only questionable to those who think they know and they know nothing, come next year JZ is going to be voted by millions into Union Buildings so you guys can continue moaning, News24 must have an open public discussion @ union building grounds so that we can give free political lecture to the likes of Rivaan. - Paul Montele
     
      Zuma vs Castro
    08/09/2008 09:59
    1.) If I understand my history correctly, Che fought to get Castro in power (as communist leader). When Castro came to power, Che critisized Castro abusing the communist ideology, and... Castro ended up killing Che... 2.) Zuma's supporters are mostly poor (I doubt they pay taxes). They are threatening the people who do pay taxes (the ones who contribute to this country's economy. - HT
     
      I used to give him the benefit of the doubt ...
    08/09/2008 10:00
    Zuma not only has 'failed to condemn' the attacks on our democracy by his 'supporters', he's happy to have them at his side at all the photo-ops. For me that says they are doing his bidding. He is a threat to democracy, and cynically is claiming to be its champion. - MikeC
     
      @Jabu
    08/09/2008 10:02
    Please give us a coherent explaination of why this is a political case and not a criminal one. Some evidence of conspiracy please???? There is tons of criminal evidence in this case. Don't label this case something it isn't! - Justice will prevail
     
      Congratulations at your english 101 but
    08/09/2008 10:04
    But zulu do it for me, Changing angles does not really appeal to people who can think. Withdrawal and apologies have been extended for the use of "kill for Zuma". An explanation that the slogan was not literally meant was extended and so far we have not heard anybody repeating the slogan. Lets move forward, stop dwelling on what you think makes you intelligent but start finding ways to resolve lots of problems in this country if ours. - PP
     
      Free and Fair Trail
    08/09/2008 10:06
    People are devided whether JZ is Innocent or Guilty. This is very easy, let the Courts make that call, thats why they are there. As for supporters trying to boycott the Legal Process, arrest them if they do anything illegal. As far as i am concerned JZ is just another Pablo Escobar, he thinks he is above the law. Lets hope this trial does not turn into another OJ Simpson Farce. Viva Democracy - Nick
     
      The blinkers will never come off...
    08/09/2008 10:06
    Great Article!! But unfortunately with this "leader" his followers have blinkers on which is extremely limited!! Why so scared to go to court if "innocent"? Go to court and prove your innocense then - but guess that won't happen? the jabu's and thabo's out there should remove their blinkers and see what the whole world sees!!!! - Ims
     
      Jabu and Bonje
    08/09/2008 10:06
    Please leave Jabu and Bonjo alone. They like to suffer and prefer to have nothing rather than something. It is better to have little today and nothing tomorrow. Even if you have a million Zim examples they would still not understand. Fortunately they are the minority as the rest of the country would like to go forward. - HC
     
      its funny how
    08/09/2008 10:07
    whites can scream and yell out for justice and how we are blackmailing the justice system.who the hell are you to yell out for fairness and justice,you were'nt yelling and screaming when your white judges were sentencing our people for crimes they never committed, people lingered in jail for years for no reason.we will speak out against a biased system cause now we can.its actually sickening the way you(whites and sell outs) are such HYPOCRITES,ZUMA WILL NOT GO TO JAIL! - fedup
     
      Should we be become worried??
    08/09/2008 10:07
    I grew up in a conservative Afrikaner home, but I have a lot of respect for the ANC and what they stood for. I have twice voted for the ANC post 94. However, this is not the same ANC as the one I voted for. It has degenerated into a corrupt organisation, where it seems to be completely acceptable to threaten the judiciary, disregard the constitution and pi$$ on the rule of law. I am beginning to think that the sacrifices made by Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and millions of SA's have been in vain. - witseun
     
      @ Jabu Pule;@ Paul Montele
    08/09/2008 10:08
    There's nothing political about steeling tax payers money and accepting bribes, that is criminal - you are, in fact, the "idiot" for not seeing this. Good luck to you, look before you cross the road, blind faith will not stop a car from hitting you. Paul, you will go to prison if you take a machine gun, moron. - Charl
     
      Jabu Pule & Paul Montele / Morena
    08/09/2008 10:09
    All you guys can say is that you'll follow JZ blindly. Why? I'm really curious. I know which qualities in him I admire and which I don't. I admire his will to give everyone's culture a place in our wonderful SA, I don't admire his attitude towards sex (showering...). So Jabu and Paul: can you tell us? Morena - I agree with you - Chantelle
     
      Shadows of Hitler
    08/09/2008 10:09
    Hitler did not directly win a democratic majority or the right to rule. He failed to impress in an election that was then rerun because of the clamour from the rabble. Even then the Kaiser rejected his claims in favour of a more balanced candidate, but Hitler then intensified his street tactics until the Kaiser conceded to keep the peace (sounds like Cosatu's argument). Not longer after that Hitler proclaimed himself as Chancellor and imposed an iron-fisted rule on Germany - the rest is history. - It is worrying
     
      From an Afrikaaner's viewpoint
    08/09/2008 10:11
    The one moment Zuma visits poor Afrikaaners, Afrikaaner groups etc, promise to regard us if he becomes president, the next he is singing "Bring my machine gun" (what does he plan to do/who to shoot with that gun anyway?) and his supporters are threatening to kill. Clearly the man talks to the interests of a group he is with. Can he possibly make his intentions clear to all and stick to it?! - HT
     
      Jabu ,"Pule" the other one.
    08/09/2008 10:14
    You are probably lined up for a cushy well paid position when YOUR saviour assumes power,wake up you bloody fool.It is the blind faithed idiots like you that destoy democracy.Now "Pule" the race card, that will be your next defence. - Sean
     
      Great Article...
    08/09/2008 10:15
    Let the poor stay poor, let the rich become wealthy... and let Zuma become President, and further demeen and destroy the black South African Nation. Once proud, once steadfast, now full of hypocritical incompetent blind sheep. Good luck my brothers... It will not be "us" that suffer like you will... think about it. - Greg
     
      Blackmail
    08/09/2008 10:15
    History proves that blackmailing a nation can work and that weak leaders have often sold out to protect their skins. The pressure on the courts and the government, to compromise the law in favor of Zuma, is intense. 2009 elections promise to be a watershed, confronting real issues more honestly than 1994 could do with all of its romantic and emotional appeal. Our constitution is facing a test of fire that will either validate it or condemn it to the scrapheap. - paula
     
      zoomer
    08/09/2008 10:16
    Is this one man, with an already potent perception of being corruptible, really going to ride on the crest of a wave of violence, bloodshed and idiocy to the highest office in the land, bringing the country to its knees in his wake? couldnt have asked it better myself, hope the judges can b firm n set a good precedent. - yungsta
     
      Mundane article! Hail Zuma!
    08/09/2008 10:16
    What a boring bore, Rivaan don't you have something better to do than always complaining as to why peeoplesupport Zuma, do you want us to support the boring balderdash that you aways whine about? And to suggest that the multitude of our Black people who support Zuma do so blindly is to betray your bigoted, little racist mind! - MJZ
     
      Paul Montele
    08/09/2008 10:18
    Read, you might just learn something that you can teach to your future youth. - xyz
     
      RE:ZUMA
    08/09/2008 10:20
    The more I read articles about Jacob Zuma, and the more I get to see the responses, one realises it is impossible to argue logic with anyone. Yes, you have people that dont like Zuma, and then you have those that WILL KILL AND RAPE AND MURDER for him. Thing is, why cant the JZ supporters, just support the man and do it peacefully. MANDELA, MARTIN LUTHER KING, GANDHI, all "fought" for peace, they DID NOT THREATHEN TO KILL. They ARE LEADERS, NOT JZ! - DRE
     
      Sadly...
    08/09/2008 10:20
    Although this is a very well written piece, it is once again rehashing the same old subject... We all KNOW what is going to happen. JZ will either not go to court and become SA's next President OR he will go to court, be found innocent and then Become SA's next President. Basically SA is in a lose-lose situation. If you can, I would suggest you leave SA as soon as possible. Viva Jacob Mugabe, Viva - The Anti Bunny
     
      Its simple Rivaan
    08/09/2008 10:22
    1 If Zuma go's to jail , These "fans" wil have to start working for a living 2 They know he is guilty if he wasnt why is he so afraid to get he's day in court? The sooner black people in this country realises that no where in the world the govermunt just dishes out and you can sit at home everyday getting every thing for free , the better this place wil become !!! - Charlie
     
      Let the Zuma supporters pay taxes
    08/09/2008 10:23
    Cause if justice does NOT take its course, I will NOT recognise Zuma as my President, and will NOT be paying taxes. Then, the Zuma supporters, the same sheeple who steal free electricity, can support the country. Zuma should do the honourable thing, and step down, like Mandela asked him to do. - Sinudeity
     
      Well if they want..
    08/09/2008 10:25
    ...To be anarchistic then they will get slapped in handcuffs and can join their mate JZ in prison. If they disrupt/vandalise they too must simply go to jail! It can be a nice little re-union. - dave the brave
     
      At the end of the day...
    08/09/2008 10:27
    ... if the majority of people want a certain individual as President, the vote has to be respected, albeit for whatever reasons. However, if the masses truly want to be poor and live as destitutes with no potential growth, and huge injustice done to them, and wasting of tax money, and supporting few ppl to become mega rich, then hey Viva ANC Viva! Viva pastor jacob Viva! Destruction from within, now just a waiting game... Viva Jabu Pule! Viva! - Greg
     
      Politics vs Business
    08/09/2008 10:28
    Please read Chris Moerdyk's column... - Linds
     
      Pule?
    08/09/2008 10:29
    Just because you THINK it is political does NOT mean the courts should be kept out of it. Just because I think I pay too much tax does not mean I cut SARS out of the picture. It is called following procedure. Do you think you and your ilk should be allowed to decide when courts are used and when they are to be discarded? Can we all do that then? Is that your 'solution'? - AJ
     
      Good article Rivaan
    08/09/2008 10:30
    I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed in the article. I can just imagine if Cosatu goes ahead with its threats to strike for Zuma, how this will impact the economy. By the way, what do you guys think of the Zapiro cartoon in the SundayTimes?? I loved it! - TTBoy
     
      JZ
    08/09/2008 10:34
    zuma is the best man for the job.the majority of people in the country want him.you are just stressing because u dont want to accept the facts.we forgave u ,why cant we forgive one of our own? - motho wa batho
     
      The truth will always be surpreesed
    08/09/2008 10:39
    Riaan My man i dont know what you want to achieve by this but by applaud you , what you said is the truth but nothing but the truth. As a black south african an an anc supporter and voter i am overwhelm by the blind support that this guy is commanding. where in the world have you found a man bieng capable of forcing charges against him to be withdrawn only in Zimbabwe, No excuse me South Afica. Warning your life is even in danger for even being anti Zuma. - Peter
     
      If Zuma is such a great leader...
    08/09/2008 10:40
    ..why do you need to threaten people with violence? Surely his greatness alone would have been enough for everyone to want to support him? Also, if he cares so much for his people, why does he expect them/not stop them to lay down their lives for him? Remember Zuma supporters, you are making the matter worse by threatening others with violence. It is generally not very acceptable behaviour, and it causes us to REALLY not want Zuma for a leader- your threats shows the world nothing good! - HT
     
      Rivaan - you are prejudiced
    08/09/2008 10:40
    Your article claims that the nation is being blackmailed. Nonsense! In a democracy people are ALLOWED to protest and show their support for anyone. This is very healthy in our new democracy. You are too prejudiced against JZ to see this. How many court cases have there been recently where people protested on behalf of the accused (think boeremag) or on behalf on the victim (think Sheldean Human)? Did those protesters blackmail the nation? No! You are simply scared because JZ has support. - WAM
     
      Really
    08/09/2008 10:42
    Your fathers(maybe some of columnist here) voted for NP instead of DP with full knowledge that blacks are being hanged,ambushed,assasinated,etc. So should we call them idiots or they were idiots then. It is my democratic right to choose a leader whom i beleive will cater for my and community intersets(espcially poor blacks)than an aloof president who tries to compromise blacks well being. Now u dont need Dromederies to go back to Amsterdam. - Mathibela
     
      @ Rivaan
    08/09/2008 10:43
    Thanx for a perfect start to the week, man. Like one regular responder to this forum once proclaimed....getting some popcorn in hand, propping feet up on the desk and getting entertained! You gotta love this country..... - nathinyce
     
      Welcome to the new SA version 2!(licence to kill)00 Zuma
    08/09/2008 10:44
    Great story Rivaan,well we are almost there,the new sa version 2 (a licence to kill)yes sa might slowly be caching up with the rest of the african continent,super greedy african polititions,Massive brain drain from the best migrating overseas ,and whats next ,violence 10x the crime 10 x the grime and all those staying behind will suffer ,cause its true people like zuma and its supporters are not educated enough to know any better,after all his supporters got nothing to lose ,and so when he rulle - Freddy