Political analyst Susan Booysen says former President Jacob Zuma’s appearance in the High Court in Durban Friday morning is important for the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Zuma will appear on 16 counts of fraud, money laundering and racketeering.
The charges emanate from the multi-billion-rand arms deal in which Zuma is alleged to have received a bribe in order to influence the tender process.
Thousands of Zuma supporters are expected to hold a march and later gather outside court.
Booysen says this will be a test to show whether Ramaphosa has control not only of the country’s judicial system but also of African National Congress (ANC) supporters.
“This day in court is arriving after many years of postponements. We expect it will be a brief appearance asking for more time to get finality, clarity and the big test today is outside court. People came out in large numbers and to what extent will they be defying ANC wishes.”
“Today will be a very important turning point for the Ramaphosa ANC to show that they are actually in control,” says Booysen.
