Lungani Zungu
Jacob Zuma’s backers were left embarrassed when the city of uMhlathuze abruptly cancelled permission for their march at the eleventh hour on Wednesday.
They planned to march under the banner #FreeJacobZuma to the correctional services department in Richards Bay and hand over their memorandum calling for Zuma’s release.
The municipality, which is led by Zuma backer, mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo, issued a notice cancelling its permission.
Scrolla.Africa has learnt from ANC insiders that provincial leaders had intervened and told the municipality to cancel the march.
“The authorisation of the march had caused a rift among ANC leadership in the province as some have openly supported Zuma while others did not,” said the insider.
Musa Mkhize, who was planning to march, said he was disappointed.
“I was looking forward to joining the people on the ground but then I was told the march was cancelled,” said the strong Zuma backer.
A Richards Bay resident – calling themselves Nokuthula – took to social media to express joy that the march had been cancelled.
“They have caused an unwanted inconvenience to us as motorists. I’m glad the city cancelled the authorisation,” wrote Nokuthula.
About cancelling the march, the municipality said: “Kindly note that the attached letter, purporting to be the authority from the city authorising a march planned for tomorrow (28 July 2021), is invalid.”
Zuma was arrested on 8 July after he defied a court order to appear at the state capture commission of inquiry.
