STATEMENT BY BRETT HERRON, GOOD SECRETARY GENERAL
Former President Zuma: The law prescribes the course to be followed
15 February 2021
When corruption is politicised the rule of law fails.
Determining the consequences of former President Zuma defying the law by refusing to appear before the Zondo Commission is not a matter to be fought over by factions of the ruling party he led; the consequences are defined in the Constitution and the law.
The reason that the Zondo Commission was deemed necessary was because of a failure of the criminal justice system to do its work.
If the criminal justice system of today wants to distinguish itself from that of the recent past, it must start by carrying out its duties to all South Africans – without fear, favour or factional/political interference.
The former President has every right to use all legal instruments at his disposal to defend himself from allegations of wrongdoing. But he has no more right than anyone else to refuse to submit to the law.
Good South Africans demand more than a ruling party that keeps tripping over itself in its supposed anti-corruption efforts. And they demand more than an official opposition that constantly milks the trouble the country’s in for political theatre.
South Africa has laws. For as long as the laws remain they must be allowed to take their course. The alternative is lawlessness and anarchy.
Ends…