‘Big day of orange overalls’ - Defend Our Democracy welcomes ConCourt ruling on Zuma
Several organisations under the banner of the Defend Our Democracy Campaign have welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling against former president Jacob Zuma.
The apex court found the former president guilty of contempt of court and slapped him with a 15-month jail term.
In a media briefing after the judgment was handed down the organisations, led by Reverend Frank Chikane, said the highest court in the land had reaffirmed the rule of law.
"We felt that there should be nobody in a constitutional democracy who would act above the law or think they are above the law, not even the president of the country or the former presidents of the country can do that.
"So, we would really like to welcome that ruling because it really gives hope to this country. I have seen people commenting that this country is served well by the constitutional position and structures of the constitution that defend our democracy," said Chikane.
He said while they are not celebrating the fact that Zuma is going to jail, they feel this could have been avoided had he complied with the court's order.
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Speaking from a hospital bed, Corruption Watch’s David Lewis said he believes Zuma got what he deserved.
"He has gotten his just deserts. I have to say that for a long time I doubted that he would, but Justice (Sisi) Khampepe certainly showed us this morning what the courts are made of and what critically important institutions they are in the defence of our constitutional democracy.
"It's arguably the big day of orange overalls in South Africa and I hope that others take a lesson from this because he is by no means the only person or the only political leader that has expressed the kind of sentiments that he expressed about the courts and shown contempt not only for the courts but for the commission of inquiry into state capture. I think they should draw a lesson from this, that they will be accompanying Jacob Zuma to jail if they do this," said Lewis.
African National Congress (ANC) veteran Cheryl Carolus called on Zuma and his supporters to respect and abide by the decision of the court.
Carolus said the criminal justice system must also ensure the court judgment is effectively implemented.
