Lungani Zungu
Scores of Jacob Zuma’s supporters arrived at the People’s Park in Durban in a good mood but were disappointed that he was only able to address them virtually.
Zuma used a large amount of his virtual address during his welcome prayer on Thursday to bash the judiciary and his internal ANC enemies.
“I was arrested without trial, making me a political prisoner. I’m still a prisoner despite being released on medical parole because I am under very strict parole conditions,” he told his supporters.
He accused the President Cyril Ramaphosa-led government of being heavy handed when he was arrested, calling it an unwarranted show of state violence.
“Today, the Constitution and the rule of law appear to be a weapon to avenge oneself against political opponents and to suppress alternative viewpoints.
“The rule of law is using its essential power to build a strong nation and united nation,” Zuma said.
It is no secret that Zuma’s backers have repeatedly accused Ramaphosa of being behind his legal and political woes.
Despite saying he knew that some party members were angry, he urged them not to dump the party.
Without mentioning names, Zuma said the ANC is infiltrated by apartheid spies who occupy senior leadership positions.
He told his ANC supporters to “take them out” when the ruling party holds its 55th elective conference in December next year.
In what was seen as a thinly-veiled attack against former president Thabo Mbeki, Zuma said his vote was not a secret.
Building up to the 2016 local government election, Mbeki said his vote was a secret.
“My vote is not a secret, and I will die in the ANC,” Zuma said
KZN ANC chairperson and Premier Sihle Zikalala was on the programme but was a no-show.
Tourism Minister and ANC NEC member Lindiwe Sisulu, suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, and the president of the ANC Women’s League Bathabile Dlamini were among those present.
Like Zuma, Dlamini also lashed out at the current party leadership, without mentioning them, saying she would continue to call for a woman president at the next party’s elective conference.
Dlamini was among the people who supported Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in 2017 when she lost to Ramaphosa.
“They continue to target us, but I will continue to call for the ANC to be led by a woman,” she said.
Zuma supporter Musa Dlamini from uMlazi, south of Durban, said he was disappointed that Zuma was not present.
“I thought that I would see him physically for the first time since he was released from jail. I am heartbroken.”
This was Zuma’s second virtual address since he was released.
