Dante’s ‘Skinny Bitches, Well Trained And Obedient’ Corner: South African Catholic Bishops' Conference Condemns South African President Jacob Zuma

The South African Represenative Head of Modern Democracy President Zuma’s Dance Moves

Roman Catholics criticise Zuma's behaviour

The South African Catholic Bishops' Conference on Friday criticised South African President Jacob Zuma and decried the use of culture to "defend bad moral behaviour".

"The [conference] expresses its strongest concern of the scandalous behaviour of leaders who shamelessly flout the norms of morality and decency, accepted and expected by the vast majority of people," the Archbishop of Durban, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, said in a statement.

"We deplore the attempts to excuse or even defend bad moral behaviour in the name of 'culture'."

Zuma has in past weeks been criticised for having a child out of wedlock.

Last week, he offered an apology to South Africans and his party, the African National Congress.

In 2006, Zuma was criticised when, during his rape trial and acquittal, he said he had had unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman.

"While we note President Zuma's expression of regret for engaging in 'unprotected sex', we are nonetheless appalled that for the second time in as many years he does not express regret or show remorse for his adultery," said Napier.

The cardinal was "appalled" at the "irreparable damage" Zuma had done to the fight against the spread of HIV/ Aids.

"We call on all leaders to recommit themselves to being worthy role models for the youth and children of the nation," said Napier. - Sapa

Published on the Web by IOL on 2010-02-12 17:50:15