Die afdanking van Jacob Zuma: ’n politikologiese ontleding

Abstract

The release of Jacob Zuma: a politicological analysis

In this article it is argued that the dismissal of Deputy President Jacob Zuma on 14 June 2005 must be understood in the context of the tradition of cabinet responsibility to parliament. It shows how the English tradition of ministerial responsibility is also followed in South Africa. It is argued that President Mbeki affirmed the critical morality of the Constitution that a member of cabinet must sacrifice his/her office when serious charges are brought against such a cabinet member, even if the cabinet member has not had the chance to “have their day” in a court of law. The article argues furthermore that the founding values of the Constitution have not been respected by either Zuma or the National Executive Committee of the ANC by not insisting that Zuma also resigns as Deputy President of the ANC. Public accountability cannot only be required by the Constitution, but must also be respected by institutions of civil society. Mbeki made a strong and visionary decision to dismiss Zuma in June 2005, but the ANC as institution has failed the nation by declining to dismiss Zuma as Deputy President of the ANC – especially after Zuma’s evidence in his trial for alleged rape.