Zuma must resign

Rev. Kenneth Meshoe, MP and Steve Swart, MP


In view of Judge Hillary Squire’s conviction of Schabir Shaik on two counts of corruption and one of fraud, the ACDP calls for Deputy President Jacob Zuma’s resignation.

We further call for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to immediately prosecute the Deputy President. The South African public requires an explanation from Zuma in view of the factual findings against him made by Judge Squires particularly that the amounts paid by Shaik to Zuma were not loans or donations, but payments to secure the Deputy President’s intervention in securing government contracts.

The question must be asked; how can the Deputy President, who is supposed to spearhead the Moral Regeneration Movement, be taken seriously when one considers the Court’s finding that a corrupt relationship existed between Shaik and himself?

The ANC government has a responsibility to the people of this country in the fight against corruption. If it is serious about this, then it should immediately suspend Deputy President Zuma pending prosecution by the NPA for receiving at least R1, 2 million in exchange for his “political connectivity”.

The Court additionally found that the repayment of R500 000 as set out in a service provider agreement to the Deputy President was not a donation but, in effect a bribe.

We do not rejoice in the fact that Zuma has been exposed for his corrupt relations, but justice must be served and the rule of law enforced. South Africa has the laws to deal with corruption, the outcome of this case proves that even “politically connected” citizens are not above the law.

The Court’s ruling also vindicates ACDP Chief Whip Louis Green who was suspended from the Parliamentary Ethics Committee in October, 2003 for publicly disclosing his displeasure at not being able to question the validity of the “loans” made by Shaik to the Deputy President.

The ACDP commends the officials of the Directorate of Special Operations and the Prosecution team led by Adv. Downer for their exceptional hard work and not bowing to political pressure. This finding will serve as a deterrent to those who would seek to bribe public office bearers as well as those office bearers who receive such bribes.