‘Judicially emotional & angry’: Zuma Foundation slams Concourt ruling

The Jacob Zuma Foundation is weighing legal options, in the wake of the Constitutional Court’s decision to sentence the former president to 15 months behind bars. In a lengthy statement issued on Wednesday evening, 30 June 2021, the foundation launched a fresh attack on the State Capture Commission and the highest court in the land – sentiments which factored into him being convicted by the same court.

Acting Deputy Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe delivered the majority judgement on Tuesday, finding Zuma guilty of contempt of court – a ruling which was in favour of the State Capture Commission.

Now days later, the Jacob Zuma Foundation has reacted to the historic ruling, accusing the Constitutional Court of violating the principle of equality before the law.

“We are busy studying the judgement and discussing with our lawyers to get legal advice on the options available to our Patron, H.E President Zuma,” said spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.

Jacob Zuma Foundation slams Constitutional Court & DCJ Zondo

The Jacob Zuma Foundation does not hold back, taking aim at the State Capture Commission’s chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Raymond Zondo, particularly after he refused to recuse himself from the proceedings – something Zuma had filed a recusal application for, citing “historical family relations” (Zondo has a child with Zuma’s sister in-law).

“Instead of allowing a lawful judicial process to unfold in the High Court, DCJ Zondo ignored the review court process and lodged an urgent application to the Constitutional Court seeking to hold our Patron in contempt despite exercising his rights of access to courts. In our view, that cannot be consistent with the substantive upholding of the rule of law that some only pay lip service to. Justice must be seen to be done,” Manyi said.

“The primacy of our Constitution was not vindicated in this matter at all. Actual or perceived judicial bias is unacceptable in our constitutional order. Judicial authority is an integral and indispensable cog of our constitutional architecture. Our supreme law vests judicial authority in courts”

Mzwanele Manyi, Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson

The foundation also seems to imply that the justices may have been conflicted, or at least acted in favour of the commission, merely because it is presided over by their colleague, who “supervises” them. Manyi also said they agree with the minority judgement, which argued that the case be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“In conclusion, the Jacob Zuma Foundation denounces Judge Khampepe judgement as judicially emotional & angry and not consistent with our Constitution,” the foundation further said.