zooming zuma out confusing

By BtM Correspondent

May 11, 2006: Jacob Zuma’s verdict that sided with Zuma’s initial views of not being guilty caused a stir among many women and gender activists – that included people outside South Africa.

Sokari Ekaine, human rights activist from Spain, says this is degrading and torturing to ‘Khwezi’ (as the court preferred this pseudonym for safety reasons), and to the general women community who are likely to fall victims of rape. From the verdict Ekaine learnt that there’s no justice in the court systems in this country, which is driven by power relations of individuals.

This case according to Kasha Jacqueline – a Ugandaian human rights activist, allegorically encourages women not to report rape cases, and that people of high hierarchy shouldn’t be taken to court as they can easily make their ways out of it without convictions.

Nestor Hazikimana from Burundi believes that so long Zuma stays in power, as the African National Congress (ANC) insists on reinstating him, he will continue raping women because it’s been proven that he’s a ‘formal’ or ‘innocent’ rapist in the face of the law.

According to Stanley Mabena – a Zion Christian Church member, this case has been dragging to this obvious judgement. He continues; “I personally feel that the ruling was not fair. The ruling of not guilty sends a message to rapists out there that if Zuma can do it why cant I?”

Reactions from the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW):

I am confused about Zuma’s case. Somehow I think he is wrong and somehow I think he is right. Only God knows the truth. For ‘Kwezi’, I think she cannot distinguish between rape and consensual intercourse because of her past. So every man she sleeps with she thinks he raped her – Dikeledi Sibanda.

The judgment is a bit disturbing. I see that by letting Zuma walk freely they are legalizing rape, meaning anyone can get away with it. This shows that rape cases in South Africa will never be taken seriously and it will now become a norm – Zodwa Nkwinika.

At times I feel that she shouldn’t have reported the case because justice has not been done but instead her whole life has been destroyed. She has been psychologically tortured from the start and is now worse after this verdict. My prayers will always be with her – Phumla Masuku.