Zuma supporters: Release former president, he has learnt his lesson

Since his incarceration on July 8, the country has been gripped by political uncertainty, violence and looting.

Thousands stormed buildings across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in brazen attacks on small and big businesses.

Major roads were littered with car carrying stolen appliances, furniture and food.

The unrest was initially believed to be sparked by pro-Zuma supporters calling for his immediate release.

But staunch supporters have slammed government’s perceived attempt to use the ‘Free Zuma’ campaign as a scapegoat to hide their failures.

On Friday, suspended ANC member Carl Niehaus and Phapano Phasha read out a list of demands to government, including calls for a presidential pardon for Zuma.

Phasha says the group believes Zuma’s advocacy for radical economic transformation made him an enemy of white monopoly capital.

She added the litigation against the former head of state is a smokescreen.

“For many of those who wish good health and prosperity for president Zuma, we are here and we share the same aspirations that an 80-year-old cannot be jailed under these conditions.

“President Jacob Zuma must be released with immediate effect and it is within the Constitution that the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] can release President Jacob Zuma on presidential pardon.

“I’m sure President Cyril Ramaphosa will be glad to know that President Jacob Zuma has learnt his lesson now so that the country can go back to peace and stability and our generation can go back to fighting for the economic freedom that we’ve been yearning for,” Phasha said.

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Niehaus shared Phasha’s sentiments.

He denies stoking the flames during the week’s unrest.

“The real responsibility lies in a lack of political leadership and the lack of leadership that we’ve also seen from President Ramaphosa

“We all agree that it would be possible for President Ramaphosa to ensure the release of President Zuma immediately

“Let’s not come and blame other people, let’s not try and find scapegoats. Let’s lay the blame at the door of the person and the government that the has the authority to address this issue and has failed to do so.”

The ‘Free Zuma’ campaign has given government 14 days to respond to its demands.

Watch Carl Niehaus below: