The Mkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association has called on supporters for former President Jacob Zuma outside his Nkandla home to ensure COVID-19 health protocols are properly followed.
This comes as a large number of Zuma’s supporters have been gathering outside his home in KwaZulu-Natal in the last few days to pledge solidarity with the former President.
The Constitutional Court earlier this week found Zuma in contempt of court for ignoring the court’s directive to continue testifying at the State Capture Commission.
The Constitutional Court thereafter agreed to hear Zuma’s application on July 12, for a rescission of his sentence.
This means that Zuma is not yet required to hand himself over on Sunday night to start serving his 15-month jail term.
The MKMVA’s Carl Niehaus says they are concerned.
“Of course we are concerned about COVID-19. It is difficult in situations where people come to gatherings to always control the wearing of masks. But I hope that our people who come to the residence to Zuma, in Nkandla, to express their concerns will try to comply as far as possible. It is a very important balance. There is, on the one hand, issues around COVID-19, but on the other hand, there is outrage over the decision taken.”
#sabcnews #sabckzn Former President Jacob Zuma's supporters outside his home in Nkandla. pic.twitter.com/TmjoMZV5vw
— Nonkululeko Hlophe (@Leko3) July 4, 2021
A number of vehicles of Zuma’s supporters are still parked outside his home. Some supporters have travelled from outside the province to pledge their solidarity with Zuma.
All eyes are looking ahead to Zuma’s first public address after the Constitutional Court judgment.
The Jacob G Zuma Foundation has indicated that later on Sunday afternoon prior to Zuma’s address, he will first consult with his legal team. On Saturday, a jovial Zuma emerged with Amabutho making his first public appearance after the Constitutional Court order.
Zuma’s address is expected to start at six o’clock.
Meanwhile, his supporters remain visible, some looking tired, others wearing t-shirts saying “hands off Zuma”. The supporters are preparing for a long day outside Zuma’s Nkandla home.
#sabcnews #sabckzn Scenes outside the former president Jacob Zuma's home in Nkandla, spotted a traditional healer and the mobile stage still there at the background. pic.twitter.com/dKfwiKQzHP
— Nonkululeko Hlophe (@Leko3) July 4, 2021
NFP raises concerns of COVID-19 regulations adherence outside Zuma’s home
The National Freedom Party (NFP) says it is extremely concerned about the scenes outside former President Jacob Zuma’s home in Nkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The party’s General Secretary Canaan Mdletshe says the majority of people gathering in Nkandla are not wearing masks and not adhering to COVID-19 regulations.
Mdletshe says intervention from Police Minister Bheki Cele is needed to stop the Nkandla gathering from becoming a super spreader event.
“We are concerned about the people who are gathered outside former President Jacob Zuma’s home in Nkandla as they are not adhering to COVID-19 regulations, they are not wearing masks and they are not social distancing. Therefore the gathering might become a super-spreader event. Over and above, we are concerned about the violence that might erupt there should the police start confronting the supporters of the former President. We are, therefore, calling on Police Minister Bheki Cele to engage the leadership of Police in the area.”
