Zimbabwe

Interview with Jacob Zuma

Article published on the 2008-04-26 Latest update 2008-04-26 14:31 TU

Jacob Zuma head of the ANC
(Photo : Reuters)

Jacob Zuma, the President of the South African National Congress, is a controversial figure in South African politics. Proud of his Zulu heritage, he is one of the ANC's most prominent politicians and enjoys strong support from the powerful COSATU trade and left-wing groups within the ANC. RFI's Charles Haskins spoke to him in Paris.

Jacob Zuma remained popular even after his dismissal from the government in 2005 following allegations of corruption. His political future appeared under threat once again later that year when he was charged with rape.

The court delivered a not-guilty verdict. Zuma became the President of the ANC on 18 December 2007 after defeating incumbent Thabo Mbeki at theANC conference in Polokwane.

His appointment makes him virtually a President-elect under the South African system, although attempts to reopen the corruption trial may prevent him from becoming the next President of South Africa in 2009.

During his visit to Paris, the third and final leg of a European visit which took him to Germany and the United Kingdom, he met French business leaders in attempt to encourage foreign investment in South Africa.

RFI's Charles Haskins took advantage of Jacob Zuma's visit to Paris to ask him for his analsis of the political crisis in Zimbabwe. Did he think that South African President Thabo Mbeki's policy of "quiet diplomacy" was an effective way of dealing with the political crisis in Zimbabwe?