His comments have caused consternation among lawyers, opposition politicians, civil society groups and women’s’ formations in his own party who have slated the Traditional Courts Bill currently making its way through parliament.
Jacob Zuma, the South African president, has issued a ringing endorsement of traditional courts, saying that problems should be resolved “the African way, not the white man’s way”.
Mr Zuma, a proud Zulu who himself subscribes to traditional practices such as polygamy, said that those living in rural communities in South Africa found the traditional justice system a better way of resolving their disputes.
“Prisons are done by people who cannot resolve problems,” he was quoted as saying by South Africa’s Times newspaper.
“Let us solve African problems the African way, not the white man’s way. Let us not be influenced by other cultures and try to think the lawyers are going to help.
“We have never changed the facts. They tell you they are dealing with cold facts. They will never tell you that these cold facts have warm bodies.”
His comments have caused consternation among lawyers, opposition politicians, civil society groups and women’s’ formations in his own party who have slated the Traditional Courts Bill currently making its way through parliament.
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