30/11/2008 15:30 - (SA)
Zuma is like Christ, he won't quit - Ace
By Moffet Mofokeng
ANC Free State leader Ace Magashule has likened party president Jacob Zuma to Jesus Christ, who did not give up on his mission in the face of persecution.
Addressing a rally at Hertzog Square in Bloemfontein on Friday, Magashule said that like Christ, Zuma did not quit the ANC when he lost his position as the country’s deputy president in 2005.
He said Zuma knew the spies in the ANC who had led to the “death of our children” and were now leaving the organisation.
“He (Zuma) is Jesus Christ. They spit at him, they throw stones at him, they swear at him ... but he never left the ANC,” said Magashule, who spoke mainly in Sotho.
A few years ago Zuma caused a controversy when he said “the ANC will rule until Jesus comes back”.
Friday’s rally was convened in support of Zuma while his lawyers slugged it out with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Supreme Court of Appeal in the Free State town. The NPA is appealing Judge Chris Nicholson’s ruling, which set aside the case the NPA is pursuing against Zuma.
Zuma’s supporters, estimated to have been around 1 000, sang and danced the whole day. Not even the occasional light drizzle could dampen their spirits.
Some waved placards reading: “Hands off Jacob Zuma,” “Defend the ANC,” “Zuma is our president” and “Why? Is this justice?”
Others wore T-shirts bearing Zuma’s face and the slogan “Born to lead”.
High-profile ANC leaders who travelled to Bloemfontein to support Zuma included ANC MP Thandi Tobias, Mpumalanga transport MEC Jackson Mthembu, former ANC Women’s League leader Bathabile Dlamini, former Limpopo premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi and ANC Northern Cape leader John Block.
ANC chief spindoctor, Carl Niehaus, was also among those who attended. He too danced with the crowd, albeit out of rhythm.
Zuma told the crowd that his case was the longest in the country. He further hinted that his case might go as far as the Constitutional Court.
“Depending (on the outcome), it could be Braamfontein in Johannesburg (where the Constitutional Court is). Who knows?” said Zuma.
He said that even in 2009 – when the country will be in full election mode – it was possible that he would still be appearing in court.
“There is no case that has taken so long in this country. This is the first one and I am sure you might see 2009 walking away as well whilst I’m still coming to court,” Zuma said.
As Zuma spoke, one supporter said: “We will die for you.” Another followed with similar words before telling journalists not to write that.
At the end of the rally, Zuma broke into his popular dance, with his signature tune, uMshini Wam, blaring in the background.
While Magashule spoke, some people in the crowd chanted “One ANC, one president”. The chant was repeated when Zuma took to the stage.
Magashule said whatever decision the court took, “Zuma will be president” to loud applause from the crowd.
Inside court, Independent Newspapers journalist Jeremy Gordin, who was in the public gallery, asked Henry Snyman, an administrator at the court, to cross over so he could give “Mr Zuma” a book.
When Snyman asked Gordin to give him the book to give to Zuma Gordin refused. “I want to give it to him. It’s his biography,” Gordin said.
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