FOLLOWING ZUMA’S ACQUITTAL on the rape charge, the NEC met to take stock of the implications of this outcome, including his assertion that there was a conspiracy against him. I took careful notes of some parts of what was a lively and revealing discussion. I am consequently able to give an accurate account, certainly of my own contribution, which follows in the form I noted it:
- A most critical point in our history – a turning point? How we answer the questions posed by Thoko [Didiza], Frene [Ginwala]1 and others will determine whether we seize defeat from the jaws of victory of 1994. Forces watch, as Geraldine [Fraser-Moleketi] said, who want to see us destroy ourselves. Turning point? Issues of our morality/integrity particularly and bound up with all our hallowed principles – issue of women’s emancipation most particularly/ and that impacts on every facet of our society and its development/ particularly national psyche/ issues fundamental to the progressive development of our society and its impact in Africa and the world. Either go forward or in danger of sliding backwards. All thrown into question because of nature of defence in JZ [rape] trial.
- Not JZ bashing. As Sankie [Mthembi-Mahanyele, deputy secretary of the ANC] had pointed out, our debate stems from NEC decision to consider many issues arising out of the court case.
- Some rejoice at acquittal, but need to/forced to interrogate the issues. Judge: ‘JZ has only himself to blame.’ Trial challenges our principles on sexual relations – not an issue of adultery.
- JZ supporters cry Foul! He is not to blame. She was a Jezebel, entrapped him/ Honey trap set by those plotting to bring him down – regardless of her HIV status. Such conspiracy relieves him of culpability. An Alice in Wonderland subversion of facts. A pitiful excuse to hide one’s own errors – and blame one’s misdemeanours – whether corruption etc. – on others. Rest of world has conspired – President, Cabinet, state officials, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, media, Western agents, etc.
- I congratulated JZ. Asked [him] why he said in court I’m against him? [He] said ‘let’s talk later’.2 [I was] not concerned just about myself but fate of all. Agree with Frene [Ginwala]: ‘We must ask for evidence of this conspiracy!’
- Conspiracy: Throughout history practitioners of Machiavelli not Marx … – Revolutionaries follow progressive morality and ethics in Politics and Life. ANC tradition – to work things out through democratic process. Yet, at this time, we do face a conspiracy. Facts – skulduggery at NIA – up to necks in email plot aim of which to give credibility to anti-Zuma plot. Emails – traitor-made – clumsy: ‘Oh, what a [tangled] web we weave when first we practise to deceive.’ A pale imitation of apartheid-era Stratcom dirty tricks – Meiring Report 1998. There is a hand behind the plotters. Who? Guess?3
- Naledi [Pandor]: Octavius [Caesar] to M.A. [Mark Antony] ‘let loose dogs of war’.4 The consequence of unchecked plot. Linked to cries of ‘burn the witches’ – Stalin purges! We dare not go down that road to hell. Plot getting so thick with intrigue it’s near point [of] no return. Some boast: ‘Die is cast for 2007 [Polokwane] and it’s going to be a slaughter.’
- What needs to be said: ‘For God’s sake, cool it.’ Suppress one’s own ambitions for sake of movement. Find credible candidate who can unite us all behind progressive ANC policies and Alliance platform. That is the imperative. The fundamental need. That is required to ensure a Turning Point that is the correct one – not one that leads to ruin. Ten years’ time let our country bless us not condemn us. Ho Chi Minh: ‘Greater the unity, greater the victory. More unity – more victories.’
- Funny thing about Julius Caesar: Cassius, Brutus think Caesar wants more power. Kill him. Mark Antony incites the crowd – burn Rome. True motives revealed: Hit list [drawn up] with Octavius and [the oaf] Lepidus [a stooge whom they use]. Finally Octavius vs M.A. [the latter is defeated and killed with his lover and ally Cleopatra, and Octavius becomes emperor of Rome].
I had neatly jotted the points down while others were speaking. This was uncommon since I normally scribbled out short notes, but the meeting was of such import that I wanted to be sure of my contribution. In the event I summarised it in the delivery. When I got to the end about drawing up lists and bumping off rivals, I remember Cyril Ramaphosa in particular laughing his head off.
Communist Party comrades remarked afterwards that it was an interesting speech. One of them, it might have been Blade Nzimande, who always treated me with respect and a touch of warmth, said, ‘The problem is, Khumalo [my nom de guerre], your Man wants a third term.’ The reference was to Mbeki, and this desire on his part had arguably become one of the biggest bones of contention uniting those who turned to Zuma, and cast Mbeki into the mould of an ambitious Caesar.