The SACP welcomes and accepts Cde Jacob Zuma's bold and exemplary statement in unconditionally apologising for having had unprotected sex. The SACP has consistently maintained that nothing that had been said in court deviates from its commitment to fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic in all its dimensions, based on the fact that HIV causes AIDS.

The apology by Cde Zuma, his reiteration of his commitment to the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the struggle against gender-based violence should be taken as yet another clarion call to redouble our efforts against these scourges.

In the spirit of ubuntu and our fight against vindictiveness and media cannibalism, we urge all South Africans to accept this apology and recommit ourselves to the fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge, women's oppression and gender-based violence. Very few leaders have had the courage to accept their, sometimes, very glaring errors and serious mistakes on matters of this nature.

The SACP also welcomes Cde Zuma's call that the complainant in his erstwhile case should in no way be vilified or condemned, and that instead she needs help.

The SACP will continue to play its part in these important struggles, in order to ensure that we truly create a caring South African society.

Statement issued by Blade Nzimande, SACP General Secretary, May 10 2006

Source: Friends of Jacob Zuma website

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