The image of the country, public representatives, and indeed of Parliament has been restored as a result of President Mbeki’s decision to sack Mr Zuma.

It is a pity that Mr Zuma was not sophisticated enough to interpret the earlier decision by the former head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Mr Ngcuka (that they had prima facie evidence against Mr Zuma, but were uncertain of how winnable the case was). That decision itself was a golden opportunity for a graceful exit for Mr Zuma. With hindsight, Mr Zuma might agree with many people that he lacked judgement in pursuing his relationship with Schabir Shaik after the ANC itself had through various office-bearers indicated that the party did not want any business relationship with Mr Shaik. Certainly his pursuit of such a relationship behind his party’s back is something that the ANC will want to look into.

We hope that in the not too distant future the state will grant him his day in court. If indeed he is acquitted, he – and those who campaign for him – will still have the opportunity to field him as a candidate for high office.

The future of the Arms Deal involving Thomson is under a cloud. Government should review whether this company is still qualified to participate in this deal, especially since the French Government refused to extradite those employees of Thomson who could have shed more light on the matter.

This is a victory for opposition parties; our role in Parliament as watchdogs has been validated. Had it not been for the consistent pressure that opposition parties and the media had applied, this matter would never have been exposed.