Zuma: I'm a hunted Springbok
2006-09-24 14:26
Kwaduza - People's failure to maintain their traditions was the reason South Africa had such a high crime rate, Jacob Zuma told the packed Stanger recreation grounds in KwaDukuza for the annual King Shaka Day ceremonies on Sunday.
On leaving the stadium, the ANC deputy president declined to sing his trademark song "Umshini Wami" in spite of calls to do so.
The top leadership of both the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) were attending the event, at which the Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, was set to speak.
IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Zuma, both in traditional garb, were seated next to each other.
Amakhosi in traditional gear danced, sang and chanted as they entered the grounds.
Zuma did not speak much about his corruption trial, saying that this was "not the platform" to raise the subject.
He thanked the Zulu nation and Zwelithini for their support.
"I am now like a hunted Springbok. There are always people seeking to degrade me."
However, he did not explain who was seeking to degrade him.
He urged Zulus to maintain their traditions.
- SAPA