Don't vilify my accuser: Zuma

Jacob Zuma, the ANC deputy president, has criticised the media for pre-judging him

The woman who accused him of rape should not be vilified, Jacob Zuma, the former deputy president, said today. "She deserves to live a fruitful and harmonious life as a citizen of this country," he told reporters in Johannesburg.

He said he extended friendship to the women's organisations which had protested against him." I hope they will accept the ruling." Zuma, who was acquitted yesterday of having raped and HIV-positive woman, repeated that he was HIV-negative, saying: "I have periodically determined my HIV status and will continue to take the necessary measures to protect myself."

Zuma read from a prepared statement at the media appearance. He apologised "unconditionally" for having had unprotected sex with the HIV-positive woman. "I should have known better and acted with greater responsibility. I erred on this issue and on this I apologise." He urged the youth to prevent the spread of Aids and fight the stigma associated with it.

Gender-based violence
The ANC deputy president also said he remained "unwavering" in fighting against gender-based violence, in line with the principles of his party. He said it was "unfortunate" that his statements in court were taken out of context and seen as policy statements on Aids. He thanked the ANC Women's League and ANC alliance partners for standing by the principle that an accused is innocent until proven guilty. He lambasted the media for trying him in the court of the public opinion.

He said he had notified Kgalema Motlanthe, the ANC secretary-general, that he intended to resume his duties in the party. He corrected reports that he was not active in the ANC, saying he had campaigned for the party at the recent municipal elections. Zuma said there was a campaign against carried out by "faceless persons". He said he was willing to take any position the ANC called him to. Asked if he had ambitions to be president following the trial, Zuma said this was up to the ANC, and that he was ready to do what the party asked of him.

Zuma said his having taken a shower after sex with the complainant was merely an "additional measure" to Aids prevention. "I didn't say a shower is a cure for Aids." Asked if he thought President Thabo Mbeki was involved in his being accused of rape, Zuma replied: "I don't think I'd want to discuss that but I haven't seen his hand (in the matter)." He denied that he was only supported by Zulus. He said his comments about the complainant's wearing a skirt were quoted out of context. Zuma said it was unusual behaviour for her to have come to his home dressed in a skirt. - Sapa