The one-time spokesperson of former president Jacob Zuma, Mac Maharaj, says corruption under the Zuma administration developed to a point where it became endemic. He says the Constitutional Court sentencing of Zuma to 15 months for contempt of court sets a precedent.
The Constitutional Court ruling on the Zondo vs Zuma case:
Maharaj says the ConCourt’s decision marks the end of a chapter on corruption and abuse of power. The country’s Apex Court said Zuma had defied its directive that he attend the State Capture Commission hearings and found him in contempt of court.
Maharaj says this is a victory for democracy.
“Our democracy has been coming under attack. All three arms of the state have been coming under attack by elements who have been involved in corruption and the ConCourt has taken a firm decision. The evidence is overwhelming that under his administration, corruption developed to where it became endemic in our system.”
Mac Maharaj reflects on the ruling against Zuma:
‘No one above the law’
Founding Congress of South African Trade Unions’ (Cosatu) General Secretary and former Cabinet Minister, Jay Naidoo, says the decision is a victory for the citizens of South Africa.
“Today Lady Justice struck a blow for the citizens who have suffered the pillaging as billions were siphoned out of programmes to build schools, deliver quality health and the most basic needs that our citizens have a constitutional right to into the pockets of our predatory elites,” he says in a Facebook post.
Naidoo says the decision shows that no one is above the law.
“No- one is above the law including Presidents, Ministers, Premiers, DGs and CEOs of our State-Owned Enterprises and private companies. Now we need to restore the confidence in our country by the NPA and SAPS bringing to prosecution all those who have been implicated at the Zondo Commission. The country is crying out for justice. And a clear warning must be sent to all those who are in positions of influence and power that having your hands in the cookie jar of public resources has consequences. We have a right to good governance and ethical leadership,” he adds.
Some members of the Ukhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association continue to remain stationed outside the former President’s Nkandla residence. At this stage details around when Zuma will hand himself over to correctional services authorities remain uncertain.
A timeline of Zuma’s case:
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