The Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed that Schabir Shaik has applied for a Presidential Pardon.
The Presidency confirmed to the DA that it had indeed received an application from Mr Shaik, for a Presidential Pardon, on 24 April 2008. The Presidency could not confirm the status of that application.
If President Zuma grants this application it will constitute a decisive step toward the complete corruption of the South African soul.
Schabir Shaik's conviction constituted a rare victory for South Africa justice system in the fight to keep a relentless ruling party, which is determined to bend the rule of law to its own will, at bay. If his actions are pardoned, it will signify to the South African public that, even when the justice system prevails, its impact is undermined, its ruling negated and its meaning subverted.
Under no circumstances must the President consider this application. He must be open with the South African public and immediately deny that he will grant Mr Shaik application. Not to do so would further speculation and fuel the perception that he is looking on this request favourably.
(A detailed explanation of our correspondence with the Presidency follows below.)