Faizel Patel – 09/03/2021
The associate editor at The Daily Maverick Ferial Haffajee says former President Jacob spent two hours during a virtual African National Congress (ANC) meeting complaining about how unfairly he is being treated by the party.
The party’s top six held a virtual meeting with Zuma on Monday night over his decision to defy a Constitutional Court order to return to the state capture inquiry.
ANC secretary general Ace Magashule says the party’s top officials had decided to respect Zuma’s rights and give him space so he can continue consulting his lawyers.
Speaking to Radio Islam, Haffajee says the party’s officials were unable to convince Zuma to respect the rule of law in South Africa.
“I don’t think he’s going to go to court on the 25th of March. He’s probably driving this to a wedge position. In fact, the court will have to make a judgment and then I think former president Jacob Zuma will be in very comfortable territory. If they do order that he must be jailed as the commission has requested, he’s very good in those situations where he’s seen as the victim of the big state.”
Haffajee says Zuma could face jail time.
“That’s what the commission’s secretary has requested of the court. It said that if a criminal complains charge is laid against Zuma, would be liable to more than four and a half years in jail. So they’ve asked for two years. We can’t say what the judges will rule, it’s a very serious moment and that’s why that case on the 25th of March is so vital.”
Haffajee says President Cyril Ramaphosa is in a very difficult situation adding that he will let his moral centre be his guide to allow South Africa’s rule of law to take its course and for the court judgment to be implemented.
Listen to the interview with Ferial Haffajee
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