Certain to be victorious in the next presidential elections, the ANC’s leader, Jacob Zuma, must first escape entanglements of the justice system. The gloomy scandal surrounding the weapons dealing to the Thales Group is making it difficult for him to get a head start on celebrating his anticipated triumph at the polls.

 
Jacob Zuma in traditional Zulu attire at his wedding.

MBF

The person responsible for Thabo Mbeki’s fall from grace could himself be indicted after the Bloemfontein Supreme Court nullified the ruling of a judge who had invalidated the legal actions taken against Zuma in 2007. For the time being, the ruling party’s position is unwavering: “The court’s ruling will not affect the ANC’s decision and Mr. Zuma will be our presidential nominee in 2009.”

These were the sentiments expressed in the organisation’s press release regarding this issue. Another argument in favour of the ANC candidate is the fact that the ruling will be handed down after the spring general election that is expected to usher him into office. The case in question – a real political and legal mess – has the South African press and political community on the edge of their chairs as they remember that it was due to his excessive interest in the matter that Thabo Mbeki was obliged to resign.

Despite his popularity among South African people, there are more than a few dissenting voices against him within the ANC. To pave a smooth road to the presidency, he could make an appeal to the constitutional court which is the highest in the land. In any event, if he is found guilty, the ANC leader could seek refuge in an immunity that is not yet inexistence but his supporters plan to implement by amending the constitution. This will be a delicate manoeuvre which could render a major blow to the credibility of the future President of the Rainbow Nation.