‘Release Zuma Or Else Face More Protests,’ Ramaphosa Warned
Former President Jacob Zuma addresses his supporters outside his house on July 04, 2021 in Nkandla, South Africa. The former president was found guilty of contempt of court by the Constitutional Court of South Africa and has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Photo: Gallo Images/Volksblad/Mlungisi
Former President Jacob Zuma
The leaders of the Free Jacob Zuma Campaign have vowed to continue with their campaign to have the former president freed from his 15-month imprisonment until their objective is achieved.
Zuma’s supporters, among them ANC member Phapano Phasha and the MKMVA’s Carl Niehaus, said the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, must respond to their demands within 14 days.
They also announced a list of demands that should accompany Zuma’s release. They want Zuma to be released immediately and that all the legal processes involving the former president including the arms deal case stop.
Amongst the other demands made by Phasha was the nationalisation of the mines, the South African Reserve Bank and other key strategic industries and means of production. She said:
A State Bank must be established without delay, and our national banks must be focused on specific areas of industrial development.
Several black banks must be established, by easing their entrance into the financial sector.
Similarly, the insurance industry must be unlocked for the emergence, and ultimate control, of black players.
Zuma’s supporters also called for free quality education for all and the end of stringent COVID-19 lockdown regulatory measures.
They also want the prioritisation of rural development and immediate and full implementation of the Resolution of the 54th National Conference of the ANC for the expropriation of land without compensation.
Phasha added that their campaign for Zuma’s release, and for their demands to be implemented, will not cease until their objective to achieve a truly liberated and economically empowered country is achieved. She said:
Failing to do so is not an option, because the terrible alternative we live and see right now, and is truly too ghastly to contemplate.
Our demands, as contained in this media statement, will be delivered tomorrow to President Cyril Ramaphosa. In light of the urgency of the situation, we expect a response within 14 days.
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