Cosatu to 'force' Zuma issue
2005-08-23 14:46
Durban - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the SA Communist Party (SACP) are planning a "million signature campaign" to convince President Thabo Mbeki to drop corruption charges against his former deputy, Jacob Zuma.
"We're confident we can get that million signatures in KwaZulu-Natal alone," said Cosatu's provincial secretary, Zet Luzipho, on Tuesday.
He said they were also working on the formation of a "Jacob Zuma Solidarity Front" which would demand that he receive a fair trial.
Luzipho said they would hold an all night vigil outside the court on October 10, the night before Zuma's next appearance, and wanted to declare October 11 "a national day of solidarity".
Traditional leaders to help
He said they would take their campaign to the traditional leaders because Zuma used to work closely with them.
They would also ask religious leaders to pray that: "The Scorpions must be able to think independently and not act as political tools."
Luzipho said: "On each day of Zuma's trial, even if it lasts for two years, there must be at least 50 people at court. It will be in the interest of the judge to see he is presiding over a political trial."
Zuma was fired as deputy president earlier this year after he was linked to the fraud and corruption conviction of his then financial adviser Schabir Shaik.
- SAPA