afrol News, 14 June - Vice President Jacob Zuma, who was widely expected to become South Africa's next head of state, was today sacked by President Thabo Mbeki. Mr Zuma two weeks ago was accused of corruption by a South Africa court and today, the pressure against President Mbeki became too high to sustain his trusted deputy. The move was celebrated as a victory in the fight against corruption.

On 1 June, the Durban High Court finally reached a verdict in the prolonged case against the businessman Schabir Shaik, a trusted friend and adviser of Vice President Zuma. Mr Shaik was found guilty of fraudulent financial transactions and corruption in several cases that involved the Vice President. Even though Mr Zuma was not among the accused, the Durban judge noted that the Vice President relationship with Mr Shaik was "generally corrupt".

Since the 1 June verdict, pressure on President Mbeki has risen to sack his allegedly corrupt deputy. The opposition, a large majority of the press, civil society groups and even a minority of the ruling ANC party called for a firm reaction by the President. If not, they held, South Africa would lose its credibility regarding corruption and democratic values.

The ANC however enjoys a wide majority in the national parliament and in all provinces, thus being able to block any attacks on Mr Zuma. The Vice President further is among the ANC's most popular politicians and counts on a firm support from the trade union and the radical ANC youth organisation. For President Mbeki, his deputy has been among his most trusted allies, and Mr Zuma rejected all calls for him to resign.

This morning, however, the South African state leader bowed into pressure. Speaking to the Pretoria parliament, President Mbeki said he had finally concluded it would be "best to release honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities as Deputy President of the Republic and member of the cabinet."

Later today, also the ANC and its youth league "accepted and supported" the President's decision to sack Mr Zuma. "The ANC understands this decision has been taken following careful consideration, in the best interests of democracy and effective governance," the ruling party said in a statement. The party further applauded Mr Zuma's "outstanding contribution" for the country and the continent, reaffirming that he remained the Deputy President of the ANC.

Tony Leon, leader of South Africa's main opposition party, today congratulated President Mbeki, saying he had "show courage" by choosing to uphold principle over politics. "By so doing, he has led us to a great victory for our young democracy," the opposition leader said.

- We have shown the world that South Africa is not among those nations who allow corruption to unravel the fabric of their country's soul, Mr Leon continued. But the fight against corruption was far from over, he added, saying "it is only beginning." He called for a full independent judicial investigation into the irregular arms deal that had caused the fall of Vice President Zuma.

President Mbeki yet has to name a successor for Mr Zuma. The office of Vice President holds great responsibilities in South Africa and is seen as a stepping-stone for the presidency. President Mbeki is expected to step down in 2009. Among the favourites to the vice-presidency is Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who could become the first woman holding this office.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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