STATEMENT OF THE ANC NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

15 May 2006

The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) held a special meeting on Sunday, 14 May 2006 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The meeting was convened to consider a letter from ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma in which he indicated his readiness to resume his participation in the leading structures of the ANC after his acquittal last week on a charge of rape.

This follows a request made by Deputy President Zuma to the organisation on 6 December 2005, which was considered by an extended meeting of the ANC National Working Committee (NWC), that he suspend his participation in the leading structures of the movement for the duration of the rape trial.

The NEC agreed that, as a consequence of the conclusion of the trial, Cde Zuma should resume his duties as ANC Deputy President and his participation in the leading structures of the movement without delay.

The NEC once again welcomed the stance taken by the Deputy President with respect to this matter, and his clear determination to act in the best interests of the ANC and the country.

The National Executive Committee had an opportunity to reflect on some of the issues arising from and associated with the conduct of the trial. The NEC did so as the highest structure of the ANC outside of National Conference understanding its political responsibility to take decisions in the interests of the ANC and in pursuit of the objectives of the democratic movement.

The NEC therefore agreed to affirm the approach of the movement on these matters:

• The ANC accepts and respects without qualification the judgement in the rape trial of ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma. It further reiterates the statement issued by the Alliance in calling on all South Africans to similarly respect and accept the outcome of due legal process.
• The ANC reaffirms its principled and unflinching support for the institutions of the democratic state, the rule of law, the principle of the presumption of innocence, and the constitutional right of all South Africans to be treated with respect and dignity.
• The ANC therefore condemns without reservation those statements and actions, particularly by members of the movement, which demonstrate a lack of respect for the rights and dignity of the complainant, the rights and dignity of the accused and the basic values of a progressive democratic society.
• The ANC remains at the forefront of the struggle to eradicate gender-based violence and abuse. It remains committed to intensify efforts across society to challenge gender inequality and sexism in all its forms and manifestations, to actively fight against the abuse of women, and to strengthen the capacity of our justice system to investigate and prosecute crimes of this nature.
• In the light of some of the commentary around aspects of the trial, the ANC wishes to confirm its support for government's comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS, including its unequivocal messages around prevention and safer sexual practices.
• The ANC finds that there is no basis to suggestions that any member of the ANC encouraged the complainant in the rape case to lay a charge against the ANC Deputy President. Allegations against NEC member Ronnie Kasrils and former National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka in this regard are without substance.

The ANC National Executive Committee is fully conscious of the hurt and distress that this trial has caused to the individuals involved and their families, to the ANC and the democratic movement, and to society more broadly.

This experience places a particular responsibility on the leadership and the membership of the democratic movement, and on society more broadly, to work to reinforce in practice the founding principles and values of our democratic society.