2 September 2008
The ANC National Working Committee (NWC), met in an extended session in Johannesburg yesterday (1 September 2008) and discussed - among others - the organisation's position on the case against the ANC President, Jacob Zuma.
It reviewed developments in this matter over the last years. It reaffirmed the view that the rights of the ANC President have been repeatedly and continually violated by state institutions and his dignity impaired without cause.
This case has been and continues to be divisive, resulting in the expression of sharply divergent views. It has become deeply politicised, with South Africans being asked to take sides.
It is the view of the NWC that it is time to address these divisions and to work towards a national consensus in dealing with this matter. It should be based on a shared commitment to the values, principles, rights and obligations contained in our country's constitution.
We should move beyond narrow political agendas towards a common national position in the interest of our country and our future in order to reinforce the integrity of the institutions of the State, and to safeguard the rights of all citizens.
These should include the right of all citizens to equal treatment before the law, to a fair trail, to be presumed innocent until found otherwise, and to protect against unreasonable and malicious actions by State institutions.
It is clear that the continuation of this case does not serve the interests of South Africa. It has long ceased to be a justifiable prosecution that can be said to be motivated by nothing more than the pursuit of justice.
The NWC urges all South Africans to look beyond entrenched positions to find common ground in a concerted effort to answer this challenge.
Issued by:
African National Congress
National Working Committee
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