Mmatshilo Motsei 2007: The kanga and the kangaroo court – reflections on the rape trial of Jacob Zuma. Jacana, Cape Town

Abstract

Contemporary interpretations of African culture are responsible for objectifying women. This is Mmatshilo Motsei’s conclusion after profound reflections on the implications of Jacob Zuma’s rape trial in which he was accused of raping the daughter of his comrade who died in exile.In the trial Zuma claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual. When explaining his submission to passion and failing to use a condom, he said that had he left the woman sexually unfulfilled, in Zulu culture he could be accused of rape. He further denied that he had a father-daughter relationship with the rape complainant who was known as Khwezi in the trial.