This book is inspired by the courage of a young woman, known variously as 'Khwezi' and 'the complainant', who took a principled decision to lay a charge of rape against Jacob Zuma, a man who was a father-figure, a family friend, a comrade, and the Deputy President of South Africa. She took on the fight against considerable odds. Zuma is one of the most popular and powerful political leaders of his time. She could not have known the immense strength she would need to face the prolonged public attacks on her. As the Zuma supporters spat the words 'Burn the Bitch' outside the courtroom, the young woman faced an interrogation inside. Her accusers, and the judge, concurred that having worn a kanga (sarong) that evening, the complainant had, like so many other women, 'asked for it'. This book speaks truth to power ? political power, religious and cultural power, imperial and military power. By using the trial of Jacob Zuma as a mirror, the book reveals the hidden yet public forms of violence against women in their homes, churches and political organisations. Caught in the crossfire of the nation’s political succession battle,'Khwezi' refused to back down. By speaking out, she amplified the muffled screams of many other women who have been raped by those who parade their power in the corridors of parliament, corporations, and religious and traditional institutions. Crushed and conquered by the mechanics of power, she was forced to flee into exile. We hope that in reading the story of this trial and seeing the particular ways in which women can be subjugated by power, women in other countries faced with the misuse of power will have the opportunity to reflect on, and demand better of, the kind of leaders and leadership they deserve. Background on Jacob Zuma Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born Inkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, April 12, 1942) is a former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and current deputy president of the governing political party, the African National Congress (ANC). A popular figure even across political divides, he gained notoriety after his financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, was convicted of corruption and fraud, leading to Zuma's dismissal as deputy president in June 2005. Zuma was formally charged with corruption soon after, but the case was struck from the roll after the prosecution's application for a postponement was dismissed. In December 2005, he was also charged in the Johannesburg High Court with rape. The accuser, the young daughter of a deceased friend of Zuma's from during the years of the struggle against apartheid, was known by Zuma to be HIV positive. On May 8, 2006, the Court dismissed the charges, agreeing that the sexual act in question was consensual. During the trial, Zuma admitted to having unprotected sex with his accuser but claimed that he took a shower afterwards to cut the risk of contracting HIV. This statement has been condemned by the judge, health experts, AIDS activists as well as ridiculed by the public in general. As probably the most prominent Zulu African National Congress politician and a leader for leftist constituencies within the ANC, he has rallied the support of many even after his dismissal. Because of this support, he was able to keep his role as Deputy President of the ANC and since his acquittal has resumed his position in the ANC. Though his political future appeared more clouded when he was charged with rape, his most vocal supporters have stayed faithful, gathering outside the courthouse to rally for him during his trial and court hearings and to celebrate the not guilty verdict. The question of whether Zuma will be and should be South Africa's next president is currently hotly debated in the media. Many South Africans are opposed to Zuma becoming president claiming that he is immoral. However, he remains popular, especially amongst Zulus, and the youth league of the African National Congress (the ruling party of South Africa) argue that Zuma has served The Struggle well.