Why Jacob Zuma must come clean

There is little doubt that African National Congress (ANC) President Joseph Zuma will be the leading candidate in next year's leadership elections for South Africa.

In an interview with Gulf News, former South African leader F.W. De Klerk said he believed the ANC president must fully explain his past dealings.

The latest corruption charges were thrown out against Zuma on September 12, but the scent of wrongdoing has hung heavy over the populist leader for the past five years. Indeed, those dropped charges came not from a full acquittal, but on a legal technicality instead.

De Klerk is right in insisting that Zuma fully explain issues regarding his selection and running of the ANC organisation. Only a clear explanation will warrant his full endorsement as a legitimate candidate for the South Africa presidency.

Anything else would be unfair to the nation's citizens who want clear, decisive leadership at a time of unparalleled crime and economic turmoil.