ANC+National+Working+Committee+statement+re+Deputy+President



=**STATEMENT OF THE ANC NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE**=


 * 7 December 2005**

The ANC National Working Committee held a special extended session last night (6 December 2005) to consider matters relating to the rape charge brought against ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

The ANC views the charge of rape in an extremely serious light, as it goes to the heart of the kind of society that we have struggled for many decades to build. The ANC reiterates its resolute determination to end gender-based violence in all its forms and manifestations.

The NWC was particularly sensitive to the need to safeguard the rights and dignity of the alleged victim. While the merits of the case have still to be tested in a court of law, it is important that the complainant is shown respect, compassion and support.

The ANC reiterates its principled position that the law must be allowed to take its course, and that the principle of presumption of innocence must be respected and upheld.

The extended NWC noted the announcement by the Deputy President of his decision, given the nature and the seriousness of the allegations, to voluntarily suspend his participation in the leading structures of the ANC for the duration of this trial.

The meeting accepted this decision. It welcomed the clear determination of Cde Zuma to act in the best interests of the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa, guided at all times by the values and principles of the ANC.

The basis on which Cde Jacob Zuma participates in these ANC structures is as Deputy President of the ANC. It is in his capacity as Deputy President of the ANC, therefore, that he has decided to voluntarily suspend his participation in these leading structures.

Following consultation with Cde Zuma, the National Working Committee understands this decision to mean that he would not act nor pronounce in the capacity of Deputy President of the ANC for the duration of this trial.

The NWC agreed to convene a special meeting of the ANC National Executive Committee without delay, and to proceed with a process of briefing and engaging ANC, Alliance and broader democratic movement structures on these matters.

The NWC acknowledged that this matter is deeply distressing to all those involved. It called on all members of the ANC and its Alliance partners, and on society more broadly, to allow the law to take its course, to respect the rights and dignity of those involved, and to exercise discipline, patience and restraint.