Speaking at Witwatersrand University on international human rights day, Zuma was highlighting the weaknesses of his former boss, President Thabo Mbeki.
 As the succession race for president of the ANC draws ever closer, where the two main contenders so far are Mbeki and Zuma, all the signs are showing that Zuma is leading the way by a huge margin.
 In his speech, Zuma was turning the screws on his rival by referring to tyrants who cling to power but also pointing a finger at Mugabe.
Zuma said, “There is no substitute or alternative to democracy, even in instances where we feel that democratic processes threaten our personal interests.
“The executive can never exercise undue influence over the judiciary and Parliament. Turning a blind eye to abuses of state power will eventually result in the unravelling of our system, and undermining of our rights as equal shareholders in our democracy.
“That urge to steal the dignity of others, ill-treat someone for selfish gain, or engineer people’s suffering is what chips away at the very essence of a civilised human race.
“It is these traits which feed the decay of society, the growth of despotic rule and lay the foundation for tyrannies. History is dotted with the legacies of tyrants who abused the rights of their citizens in order tousurp, enforce or hold onto power.”
If Zuma become President of South Africa in 2009 both Mbeki and Mugabe have been warned.Â
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