ANC RESPONSE ON REPORTS REGARDING THE PRESIDENT RELATIONSHIP

The African National Congress (ANC) would like to set records straight that the matter between the ANC President and his personal relationship with anyone remains a personal matter.  We respond to this matter in order to clarify our stance in response to media reports especially those emanating from political commentators on this matter.

Our view is that the matter between any two consenting adults remains their own personal affair, not in the interest of anyone.  That goes for some individuals and some media institutions.  For the record, President Zuma has gone on record sharing his believe in polygamy and has demonstrated his responsibilities and his responsiveness that comes with any of the relationships.

As the ANC, we have always made a distinction between people's personal affairs and their public responsibilities. In so far as we are concerned, the alleged relationship of the President and anyone should be treated as such.

We do not see the correlation between the ANC policies on HIV and AIDS and the President personal relationships. As the ANC, we welcomed the progressive policy shift on HIV/AIDS as articulated on the 1st December 2009 by President to mark World Aids Day. Not only does the policy change portray the ANC-led Government as caring but it demonstrates its commitment to effectively fight the pandemic.

·         The President proposed concrete steps to be undertaken by the Government, which come into effect on April 2010 to fight the pandemic. As the ANC we particularly welcome the fact that:
All children under one year of age will get treatment if they test positive, not determined by the level of CD cells. This will contribute significantly towards the reduction of infant mortality over time.

·         All patients with both TB and HIV will get treatment with anti-retrovirals if their CD4 count is 350 or less.

·         TB and HIV/Aids will now be treated under one roof.

·         All pregnant HIV positive women with a CD4 count of 350 or with symptoms regardless of CD4 count will have access to treatment.

We believe that this will go a long way to decrease the deaths of pregnant women who are HIV positive and protect unborn babies.

Why should a relationship between two adults be made an issue? Why should it make headlines? Why is it characterised by some media as a "Shame to the nation".

We are of the view that the media and some political commentators are making a mountain out of nothing.  We are not sure what their motives are, but we are confident that time will tell.

This unjustified attack to the President is disingenuous.  There is nothing wrong that the President had done. There is nothing "shameful" when two adults have a relationship. How does a relationship between two adults become "shameful" to the people? Such headlines are alarmist and create unnecessary tensions and confusion. By being involved with any other person, President Zuma is not guilty of any offence and he has not bridged our constitution or any of our laws.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, African National Congress National Spokesperson, February 1 2010

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