Zuma lambastes NPA and media
2006-01-18 21:07
Johannesburg - The manner in which the national prosecuting authority and other state organs operate needs to be reviewed, said former deputy president Jacob Zuma on Wednesday.
Again indicating political motives behind the NPA action against him, Zuma said: "Organs of state should never, wittingly or unwittingly, be drawn into personal or political agendas and allow themselves to be used to further a cause that has nothing to do with their role or mandate."
His comments came in a letter, posted on the Friends of Jacob Zuma website, on Wednesday morning.
In December last year, Zuma was charged with rape. This came after he was relieved of his post as deputy president in June, amid charges of corruption which emanated from the fraud and corruption conviction of his financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.
Zuma praised the way in which he, himself, the government, and the African National Congress had handled allegations against him, but said there were questions about the actions of the NPA and members of the media.
Must recognise weaknesses
"Where there have been incidents or events which reflect our strong points, we should acknowledge them, and continue to strengthen them.
"But, we should also be able to recognise our weaknesses, and work to overcome them," said Zuma.
He felt he was among those best suited to give comment, "given that these challenges directly affected me".
"The fact that the investigation was concluded and the deputy president charged without interference by the government is a clear indication of the maturity of our democracy.
"We as people of this country need to be proud of this because it certainly gives confidence that we have a government that is committed to adhere to democracy and constitutionality of our country."
Referring to himself, Zuma wrote: "The deputy president did not interfere or inhibit the work of the investigators.
"Instead, the deputy president was ready to co-operate with the investigators.
"This is not only an indication of the strength and respect for our democracy, but reflects that national interest takes precedence over personal interests."
He again criticised some in the media who had "exceeded their rights and privileges" in the way they reported on the matter.
'Note the people's reactions'
"It seems to me that some journalists and editors have become active participants in political battles, with total disregard for the rules that govern the profession, the rights of the individuals concerned, as well as the constitutional principles which govern our country," he said.
Zuma said politicians needed to take note of the people's reaction.
"I am more than convinced that the manner in which our people have responded demonstrates that they are a guarantor for our democracy and that no organisation, individual or government of the day could undermine our hard-won democracy."
- SAPA