Two weeks ago Jacob Zuma issued a statement in which he asserted that “the Commission Into Allegations of State Capture can expect no further cooperation from me in any of their processes going forward”, defiantly adding that “if this stance is considered to be a violation of their law, then let their law take its course”.
Zuma also stated that he was prepared to go to jail for his defiance of the law.
But on Monday, 15 February 2021, his lawyers while confirming that Zuma will refuse to obey the summons claimed that this “should not be construed to suggest any defiance of a legal process”. It is difficult to reconcile the two statements, suggesting that Zuma is hedging his bets, signalling defiance of the law when it is politically convenient, while claiming not to be defiant of the law when it is legally advantageous.
from our partners at Bloomberg, former President Jacob Zuma was quoted as saying “The Commission Into Allegations of State Capture can expect no further cooperation from me in any of their processes. If this stance is considered to be a violation of their law, then let their law take its course. I do not fear being arrested, I do not fear being convicted nor do I fear being incarcerated.” This blatant defiance and disregard for the law has frustrated many South Africans, who just want the former president to have his day in court. Allegations of state capture and corruption have been hurled at Zuma for over a decade now. But like water off a duck’s back, it seems to have no effect on him. Cathleen Powell, an associate professor of public law at the University of Cape Town, writes ‘even an appeal to the highest court in the land has failed to win Zuma’s cooperation. It has, however, handed the commission the clearest statement yet of its duties and the tools it has to fulfi
Jacob Zuma is behaving like a spoilt brat.
Over the years, Zuma had become used to the ANC’s closing of ranks in defence of his numerous wrongdoings and misdemeanours. The ANC overindulged, shielded, protected, and defended him as he mastered the art of playing victim. Unsurprisingly, he now displays grandiose and narcissistic behaviour. Classic spoilt brat syndrome!
When he took office (twice), as president of the republic, he solemnly swore that:
“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President of the Republic of South Africa, I… swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always:
South Africa s former president is warned to appear in court
by Mogomotsi Magome, The Associated Press
Posted Feb 4, 2021 3:11 am EDT
Last Updated Feb 4, 2021 at 3:14 am EDT
JOHANNESBURG A legal showdown is looming in South Africa where former president Jacob Zuma is refusing to obey court orders to testify at a judicial inquiry into corruption charges against him.
Zuma has been warned that he is not above the law after he publicly stated that he intends to defy a court order to appear at the inquiry.
It is a test of whether President Cyril Ramaphosa will be able to follow up on his promises to take decisive action against pervasive corruption.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma appears at a Nov. 17, 2020, hearing in Johannesburg, South Africa, while applying for Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to recuse himself from the state capture commission of inquiry. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe/File)
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) A legal showdown is looming in South Africa where former president Jacob Zuma is refusing to obey court orders to testify at a judicial inquiry into corruption charges against him.
Zuma has been warned that he is not above the law after he publicly stated that he intends to defy a court order to appear at the inquiry.