YCL+statement+on+the+ANC+Deputy+President+rape+trial+verdict



=YCL statement on the ANC Deputy President rape trial verdict=

The YCL welcomes the judgment that acquits the ANC Deputy President on the rape allegations. The verdict confirms our long held view that there is no necessary connection between allegations and the truth. The truth has to be established through a fair process and be proven beyond reasonable doubt. This is in line with what we have been saying since both the rape and corruption trials against the ANC Deputy President started.

Furthermore, the verdict does not only confirm our concern about the potential abuse of women to settle political differences by some men within the liberation movement, and the potential that this has to undermine the struggle against rape and abuse of women. But has also put to end the malicious innuendo against Deputy President regarding the allegation.

We are also aware that what has transpired during the court proceedings is going to be used by those who held a longstanding view that he should not be the president. Whilst it is the ANC's primary duty to decide on its leadership, we would like to caution against any tendency which uses selective morality and undemocratic discriminatory criteria to determine leadership within the liberation movement and society in general. The fact that he is not guilty means he is entitled to any position in society.

We would like to re-iterate our position against all forms of women and child abuse, as well as our position on the prevention HIV-AIDS strategy. We call on all women who are abused on daily basis to speak out, and the state institutions should devote the same amount of energy in their defense and protection. We will further study the judgment with the view of participating in endeavors aimed at strengthening the current legislation to protect rape complainants and victims.

We also call all justice-seeking South Africans to pledge their support during the corruption trial against the ANC Deputy President. We would also like to ask why the state president is only confirming now that it is him who wrote the letter to Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) stopping further investigation into the arms deal. It is this letter that was used as part of evidence to reach the conclusion that the ANC Deputy President had a 'generally corrupt relationship' with Shabir Shaik. It was also this evidence which was used to effect his unfair dismal as the Deputy President of the country. We re-iterate our demand for the opening of the entire arms deal.

It is disturbing that few days before the verdict three cabinet ministers and former minister held meeting with the media, including the SABC to conspire against the ANC Deputy President, Jacob Zuma. We call on the government and the ANC leadership to explain why was the off-record briefing called within seven days. Until such explanation is provided we will mobilize all justice-seeking South Africans to stop paying SABC TV because the broadcaster is used as part of the state machinery in the conspiracy.

For more details contact :


 * Buti Manamela**
 * YCL National Secretary**
 * 082 336 7859**

517 words