Lungani Zungu
Jacob Zuma cut a lonely figure inside the Pietermaritzburg High Court, but he was treated like a hero outside the court.
His support has been dipping, but yesterday scores of his supporters came out to support him.
The Zuma faithful which included amabutho (regiments), traditional healers, pastors and his wounded political backers started arriving in the early hours of yesterday.
Some came from as far as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.
While Zuma pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts of corruption, racketeering and money laundering, his supporters chanted “Wenzeni uZuma?” (What has Zuma done).
Many wore white T-shirts written “Wenzeni uZuma?” on the front.
The members of uMkhonto weSizwe, who have turned into Zuma’s army, chanted revolutionary songs.
It appeared that Zuma’s campaign to stay out of jail got a massive financial boost from funders.
This was evident from the big concert stage that was erected outside the court.
On stage, Zulu told his supporters in IsiZulu, that he was happy that the 16-year-old case was finally underway.
He ended his short speech with his trademark song Awulethe umshini wami (bring me my machine gun).
Other high profile people who supported Zuma included Malusi Gigaba, former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, Dudu Myeni, the former chairperson of the SAA and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala.
The suspended secretary-general Ace Magashule and former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo were also in attendance.
Picture source: @Niehaus_Carl
