2006年VOA标准英语-South African Politician Zuma: 'I Am Back'

By Delia Robertson
Johannesburg
09 May 2006

In the wake of his acquittal on charges of rape¹, former South African deputy president, Jacob Zuma, has gone on the offensive in an all-out political comeback initiative.

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Less than 24-hours after his acquittal, Jacob Zuma launched a publicity² blitz to reclaim³ his political foothold.  Even before a formal meeting with the African National Congress leadership to discuss his future, he made it clear he intends to immediately resume duties as deputy president of the party.

 

 
Former South African deputy President Jakob Zuma answers questions
  

"The case is over, and therefore, I am back," he said.  "I took a decision, which was accepted by the ANC, [to step aside as party deputy] for the duration of the case, and the case is over.  So, no question about it."

At a packed news conference Tuesday, Zuma delivered a carefully crafted statement, in which he responded to criticisms raised against both him and his supporters during the trial. He started by apologizing for having unprotected sex with the 31-year-old woman who accused him of rape.

"I wish to state categorically and place on record that I erred⁴ in having unprotected sex," said Mr. Zuma.  "I should have known better, and I should have acted with greater caution and responsibility.  For this I unconditionally⁵ apologize to all the people of this country."

There has also been severe criticism of his supporters' treatment of the complainant during the trial.  Amongst other things, they burned her photograph and threatened to burn her.  She remains⁶ in a witness protection program, and there is widespread speculation⁷ that she will go into exile.  Zuma did not condemn⁸ the actions of his supporters, but said she should be able to live as any other citizen.

"Further I wish to stress that the complainant in my erstwhile case, should in no way be vilified⁹ or condemned," he explained.  "She deserves to live a fruitful and harmonious¹⁰ life as a citizen of this country."

Zuma, who also faces trial on fraud and corruption¹¹ charges later this year, continues to insist there is a campaign by what he calls faceless people to prevent him from becoming president of South Africa.  He says that the media is part of this campaign.  He says his political future depends on the ANC and its members, adding that he will not refuse any position.

1 rape   

n.抢夺，掠夺，强奸；vt.掠夺，抢夺，强奸

参考例句：

• The rape of the countryside had a profound ravage on them.对乡村的掠夺给他们造成严重创伤。
• He was brought to court and charged with rape.他被带到法庭并被指控犯有强奸罪。

2 publicity   

n.众所周知，闻名；宣传，广告

参考例句：

• The singer star's marriage got a lot of publicity.这位歌星的婚事引起了公众的关注。
• He dismissed the event as just a publicity gimmick.他不理会这件事，只当它是一种宣传手法。

3 reclaim   

v.要求归还，收回；开垦

参考例句：

• I have tried to reclaim my money without success.我没能把钱取回来。
• You must present this ticket when you reclaim your luggage.当你要取回行李时，必须出示这张票子。

4 erred   

犯错误，做错事( err的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• He erred in his judgement. 他判断错了。
• We will work on those who have erred and help them do right. 我们将对犯了错误的人做工作，并帮助他们改正。

5 unconditionally   

adv.无条件地

参考例句：

• All foreign troops must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. 所有外国军队必须立即无条件地撤出。
• It makes things very awkward to have your girls going back unconditionally just now! 你们现在是无条件上工，真糟糕！ 来自子夜部分

6 remains   

n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹

参考例句：

• He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
• The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。

7 speculation   

n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机

参考例句：

• Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
• There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。

8 condemn   

vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑

参考例句：

• Some praise him,whereas others condemn him.有些人赞扬他，而有些人谴责他。
• We mustn't condemn him on mere suppositions.我们不可全凭臆测来指责他。

9 vilified   

v.中伤，诽谤( vilify的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• He was vilified in newspapers. 他在报纸上受到了诽谤。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• She was vilified by the press for her controversial views. 因她持有异议，新闻界对她横加挞伐。 来自互联网

10 harmonious   

adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的

参考例句：

• Their harmonious relationship resulted in part from their similar goals.他们关系融洽的部分原因是他们有着相似的目标。
• The room was painted in harmonious colors.房间油漆得色彩调和。

11 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。