Mokonyane questions Ramaphosa’s leadership, slams him for Khwezi statement

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has opened a can of worms after a radio interview with 702 led to him expressing his opinion on Zuma’s 2005 rape trial.

While Zuma was acquitted, his rape accuser Khwezi Kuzwayo was forced to flee SA and her house in Kwa-Mashu was burnt down by angry ANC supporters. Kuzwayo had testified that Zuma raped her at his Forest Town house, a claim which he denied, stating that it was consensual sex.

Nomvula Mokonyane said Ramphosa and Zuma were close and often laughed together in executive meetings where they sat next to each other. She said Ramaphosa luaghed with Zuma but was clearly still harbouring negativity towards him over the rape trial.

‘You laugh like that but deep down in your heart you are saying ‘you damn rapist,’ Mokonyane told City Press.

“I couldn’t believe that we have a leader of that nature. Why did he remain quiet? At that time it was better because he was a businessman. He walked away and now he says all these things and by the way, fighting a man he knows is leaving,” said Mokonyane.

You laugh like that but deep down in your heart you are saying ‘you damn rapist

Her comments come after ANCWL president Bathabile Dlamini slammed Ramaphosa for saying he too believed Khwezi.

“The deputy president of the ANC, comrade Cyril Ramaphosa, spoke about president Jacob Zuma … and we want to say, ‘comrade Cyril, comrade deputy president, if you want to speak out about violence against women and children, talk about yourself’.”

Sihle Zikalala, chairperson of ANC KZN commented that Ramaphosa was now desperate.

“If comrade Cyril saw that Khwezi was talking the truth, why then did he remain silent?
Why is it that he is only speaking about it now? Cyril’s desperation does not surprise me,” said Zikalala.

//

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.