The Toppling of Mbheki

Politicians and lawyers, both these professions are synonymous with liars; where half-truths, lies and spin doctoring are used to make people look good. The recent events leading to the toppling of Mbheki from power were based on perceptions created by the Judge Nicholson ruling, and not by confirmed facts. Therein lies our conundrum - ordinary stones are polished into "priceless" gems. Is there any place left for the truth, and what does it say for the future of our beautiful country? 

In his resignation address to the nation, Mr Mbheki in no uncertain terms denied ever interfering in any judiciary process and in particular the Zuma case. The Zuma camp, on the other hand conveniently took the Judge's words as confirmation of their own earlier "suspicions". This over and above the fact that Zuma's financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, was found to have had a "generally corrupt relationship" with Zuma. The guilt or innocence of one party in such a situation, by implication confirms the guilt or innocence of the other party. But where do we find ourselves here: one man behind bars, and the other on the verge of a tainted presidency. 

Public opinion, on the ANC NEC's decision to recall Mbheki is still divided, based on whether you are pro-Zuma or pro-Mbheki. I am pro-"none-of-the-above", and merely see Mbheki as the lesser of two evils. The recall of Mbheki, after the National Prosecuting Authority decided to appeal the Judge Nicholson ruling, might be see in some quarters as the ANC flexing some political muscle in an attempt to squash further attempts to prosecute Zuma. The message from the ANC to the judiciary might be perceived as saying: "We have the power to remove a President; who are you to challenge us?" 

Where does this leave the NPA, and Mbheki for that matter, regardless of whether he may or may not have been pulling strings in the NPA? If the NPA doesn't proceed then Mbheki's alleged involvement may be confirmed, but if the NPA does proceed, Mbheki's alleged involvement is not necessarily disproved - a lose-lose situation for the NPA, Mbheki, the people of this country and our country. 

Going further into the cases against Zuma regarding his relationship with Shaik and the arms deal; we are by no means any closer to the truth. Zuma's applications to have certain evidence disregarded, doesn't give one much confidence in his innocence in these matters. The poll on Interface on SABC3 on Sunday about whether the arms deal chapter should now be closed was unanimous - 90% voted no. 

His fanatical support base definitely believes otherwise. The actions of his supporters during the rape case and during the many other corruption cases including the September one are cases to note - mock funerals for Mbheki were performed, and Zuma, his fellow comrade, did not condemn theses actions. 

The interview of Mantashe on Interface did bring some interesting points to the fore such as policy issues are decided by the party and not the man/woman in any particular position. Interesting then that the Party remained silent when Mbheki was taking flack from certain quarters for "his" policies that were seen as too business friendly. 

Coming back to the actions of Zuma's supporters, we have the inflammatory statements by the ANCYL leader, Julius Malema: "We will kill for Zuma". His abrasive approach is in direct contract to the reasons given for removing Mbheki - the need for more stability in the ANC and government. 

On a side note Mbheki's main bodyguard, Captain Frans Ramashilo, was assassinated just days before the NEC meeting to decide Mbheki's fate. The demise of Ramashilo was uncharacteristically low key in both the televised and print media. What was it again that Malema said?