Judgment a blow to Zuma, ANC
2009-01-12 12:31
Johannesburg - The Supreme Court of Appeal on Monday overturned a previous court's judgment throwing out corruption charges against ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma.
The judgment, which effectively reinstates the charges, came
at the worst possible time for both Zuma and the ruling African
National Congress (ANC), with elections expected around April at
which they will face the biggest challenge since the end of
apartheid in 1994.
Zuma will be the party's presidential candidate but could
now go into the vote with hefty corruption charges hanging over him.
Zuma's fate
Prosecutors say the ruling means Zuma remains charged with
corruption, fraud and money laundering.
This will severely hurt his image, internationally and at
home, during a battle to fend off a challenge from a new party
of ANC dissidents, the Congress of the People (Cope).
Zuma's lawyers may appeal to the Constitutional Court, the
highest in the country, which will drag out the case further.
Despite the charges, Zuma is likely to remain the ANC's
choice as president and has said before he will only step down
as president if found guilty of the corruption and fraud
charges.
Possible deal?
Prosecutors and Zuma are reportedly keen to secure a deal
that will end the long-running saga.
A settlement may suit Zuma if it looks like he will face new
charges and a trial that will either coincide with the election,
or punctuate the first years of his presidency. It will also
hurt South Africa's image having a president facing possible
jail.
Zuma cannot be elected to Parliament, and therefore become
the country's next president, with a conviction of more than one
year's prison term, so the deal will have to be for a lesser
punishment than that.
Implications for Mbeki?
The appeals court ruling is good news for former President
Thabo Mbeki, helping to repair his image after being ousted by
the ANC in September, following the high court judgement that
suggested he interfered to secure charges against Zuma.
The ANC will, however, not recall him to government.