“Jacob Zuma is a law-abiding citizen”: ANC support JZ in court row

The ANC have given their official backing to Jacob Zuma, some 24 hours after an arrest warrant was issued against the former president. The ruling party have stood by their man, who left office two years ago, and even praised him for being “respectful” of the courts – an opinion that is fiercely debated elsewhere.

The reverberations from the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s decision are still travelling across South Africa, and the rest of the world. As political nemeses celebrated the warrant – which will come into effect should Zuma fail to appear in court on 6 May – those closer to Msholozi have been vocalising their support.

ANC say Jacob Zuma “is respectful of the courts”

A number of ANC members have already said “they would do jail time for Jacob Zuma”, in an odd show of solidarity for the 77-year-old (who is allegedly suffering from a mystery illness). In less emphatic terms, the party uBaba lead for a decade also nailed their colours to the mast:

“The ANC respects the decision of the court. But former President Jacob Zuma is a law-abiding citizen who has consistently respected the courts and submitted himself to judicial processes, regardless of his stature.”

“He has always co-operated with law enforcement agencies when asked to do so. We appeal to members of the public to exercise patience, and allow Zuma and his legal team to deal with the matter when it returns to court on 6 May.”

ANC statement

A law-abiding citizen?

The blissfully un-self-aware statement portrays Jacob Zuma as someone who has shown up on time for every court appearance without making a fuss. This, despite Msholozi making a name for himself as an expert manipulator of legal proceedings. His “Stalingrad” delay tactics are the stuff of legend.

With 18 counts of corruption, fraud and racketeering to his name, Jacob Zuma must earn the attributed quality of being a “law-abiding citizen” by eventually turning up to court and going through the trial process. Should his health improve in the next few months, he also has questions to answer at the Zondo Commission.

• You can read the full ANC statement here:

@MYANC STATEMENT ON DEVELOPMENTS AROUND FORMER PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA’S COURT PROCEEDINGS pic.twitter.com/hCoUao1NVg

— African National Congress (@MYANC) February 5, 2020