[DEBATE] : Zuma debate in Soweto Invitation

[Dominic Tweedie]

Dear Vanessa,

I think that maybe the best way to understand it is that JZ is simply
an office-bearer of a democratic structure. He will be expected to be
more like a branch chairperson, but at a different level. It is rather
impossible to imagine TM in such a position (branch chairperson) but
not JZ. He is not being "used" except in the sense that he will have
to serve and do the job, i.e. fulfill the function of President within
the normal suite of office-bearers, as the first among equals and not
as their superior, as TM insisted he was.

The corruption charges are not "his" as if they were nothing to do
with JZ's and his friends' overall struggle. They were part of the
struggle up to now and insofar as they have life in them, they will
continue to be part of all our struggle.

The Scorpions and the NPA were being abused for political purposes
against JZ. That is our position, You know that. It does not mean that
due process will not continue, but it does mean that JZ will be
supported, and not set aside because of court cases. Don't start
thinking he can be cancelled out by court cases. That has not yet
happened and it will not happen in the future. More than likely, JZ
will grow stronger because of these legal attacks, or rather,
political attacks in legal clothing. That is what has been happening
so far.

The Polokwane Conference spelt out detailed resolutions, and a
Strategy and Tactics document. I posted them all to the DEBATE, I
think. They are all on the ANC web site. What makes you think that JZ
should have another set of "policies", different from the resolutions
of the Polokwane Conference, where he was elected President? He was
elected to be President of that ANC, not some other one.

I don't have any private information about JZ's trips to Texas and
Davos. I don't know about the UK. That's news to me. But in general I
don't see how he can refuse to meet the bourgeoisie. Actually, he has
to meet the bourgeoisie. Even if we had achieved the dictatorship of
the proletariat, he would still have to meet the bourgeoisie. It's
what goes down in those meetings that matters. If you hear of any
secret treaties, please spill the beans immediately.

What will really count is the degree of political consciousness,
organisation and mobilisation in the country.

If you are interviewing people, why don't you interview the Deputy S-G
of the ANC, Thandi Modise? Out of the six, she is the only one who has
kept a low profile since Polokwane. But I fully expect that she is
equally as strong and unique a personality as the others.

Then what about the rest of the 43 women on the NEC? They are very
interesting. This is a much larger group of women than ever before in
the NEC, because not only was there a 50% gender balance required for
the first time, but also the NEC was expanded by something like 50%
overall. Nobody has looked at all this properly, yet.


Domza.


On 21/02/2008, Vanessa Banton <vanessa.banton at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Dominc,
>
> Well, then what is your idea of the situation - is Zuma being "used" as has
> been speculated to get "others" into the seats of power - while he battles
> his corruption charges?  How exactly do you see everyone functioning
> together once the new guard takes over?
>
> JZ hasn't actually spelt out any policies - it seems that he will just try
> placate whoever is in his presence - ie. as illustrated by Davos. So that is
> why I feel the Claire's debate (or whoever it is) is important. I mean, if
> it isn't really about Zuma - why was he allowed to go off to Davos, and to
> the US and to the UK etc? The message being communicated is confusing.
> Surely the message should come from the collective - and it should only be
> saying one thing?
>

-- 
Blog at: http://domza.blogspot.com/
Communist University web site at: http://amadlandawonye.wikispaces.com/
Subscribe for free e-mail updates at:
http://groups.google.com/group/Communist-University/
Library of documents (CU "CD") at: http://cu.domza.net/
dominic.tweedie at gmail.com