Friday 12 September 2008

My political bitch 'n moan du jour

Oh kids, it's on. Right now, our good friend JZ is sitting in Pietermaritzburg listening to the court's verdict on whether or not the charges against him are lawful.

(Little recap: Jacob Zuma, president of the ANC and most likely Thabo's successor as president of South Africa is facing corruption (2) and fraud (12) charges. Zuma wants these charges declared unlawful because the State did not consult him before going ahead with the prosecution. [?!?!?!?] On top of that, Zuma is also facing racketering and money-laundering charges. Nice.)

So yes, everyone is waiting with bated breath to see what happens - especially Zuma's buddies in the tripartite alliance (ANC, COSATU and SACP). Of course, we can't forget the eloquently subtle Julius Malema - president of the ANC Youth League(ANCYL), who has organised a huge party with a line up of bands, streamers and party hats to celebrate an outcome that gets Zuma off the hook. (Yo Julius, didn't your mama ever tell you about not counting your chickens before they hatch? Hmmmm... guess not.)

The court should announce the verdict soon, but I must say, I've got a bad feeling about this. I'm hoping that they won't find the charges unlawful because really, that would be ridiculous! If Zuma is indeed innocent of the corruption and fraud charges then he can prove it to everyone at his trial. But to get off scott-free without a trial - where's the justice in that.

If, however, Judge Nicholson finds the charges 'lawful' then I think there's going to be quite a backlash - especially from the ANCYL. Malema has been so vocal about being prepared to kill for Zuma. Not great. And now that he's gathering a huge crowd and has got all his members psyched up for a celebratory party later today, what's going to happen if things don't go their way.

On the other hand, if the corruption and fraud charges are declared unlawful then what a complete travesty of justice!!! The path will then be cleared for Zuma to take the presidency of the country, in spite of the cloud of suspicion which will never be proved true or false. Sure, there will be those other little charges but I doubt those keep Zuma awake at night.

Hmmm... now we just have to wait and see. Right now the judge is waffling on with lots of legal speak. I wish he'd just cut to the chase and give the verdict.

Anyway, in the meantime, here's an update to Zapiro's cartoon. This one was published this morning. There's been such contraversy over the cartoon and I do agree that it's harsh and blunt. But it's satirical and not racial or gender based. Here's today's version.



Okay, the verdict has been given. Charges proven unlawful.

Crap.

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