COSATU reaffirms support for ANC president Comrade Jacob Zuma

As the case of African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma is to be heard in theConstitutional Court tomorrow (Thursday), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) today reaffirmed its unwavering support for Comrade Zuma.

COSATU fully endorses this week's statement by the NWC [see here] that, while - as a proud movement that fought for the liberation of this country - we will continue to uphold and defend the integrity of the judiciary and other organs of State. COSATU is also shares the view that Comrade Zuma's rights have - throughout this episode - been violated.

We note that - not only has the case been dragged for this long - but that throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case, Comrade Zuma's rights were repeatedly violated by institutions of State, specifically the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

We also share the widely held belief that the case against Comrade Zuma smacks of an intent to prosecute Comrade Zuma in defiance of the Constitution.

We cannot find any compelling reason to prosecute Comrade Zuma other than stopping him from becoming President of the Republic of South Africa. There were those prophets of doom who thought the pressure exerted on Comrade Zuma before the watershed ANC Polokwane conference, would weaken the peoples' desire to mandate him to lead the ANC and the country.

His rights and dignity were certainly violated as he was not afforded a speedy and fair trial, something which flies in the face on the Constitution.

Section 35(3) (d) of the Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial thus: "Every accused person has a right to a fair trial, which includes the right to have their trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay." The interim constitution of 1993 contained a corresponding provision in section 25(3) (a) for a "public trial within a reasonable time after having been charged".

As a labour federation we also wish to further express being worried at the rejection by the Judicial Services Commission of Judge John Hlophe's application for the recusal of four of its commissioners: Judge Craig Howie, advocate George Bizos SC, advocate Milton Seligson SC, advocate Kgomotso Moroka SC and attorney Julian von Klemperer.

We share the sentiment and view expressed by ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe that it could not be acceptable for judges presiding over the cases of Comrade Zuma, to create a link between Comrade Zuma and Judge Hlophe, instead of dealing with these matters separately.

COSATU further calls on South African people to pledge support and solidarity with Comrade Zumaduring his appearance at the Pietermaritzburg High Court next week. We call on all our members to join in the protest outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court in the thousands.

Issued by the Congress of South African Trade Unions July 30 2008