When former president Jacob Zuma faced corruption charges and a rape charge by Khwezi (whose real name is Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo), he had a strong and vocal support which included powerful
businesspeople like the former mayor of Greytown, Philani “PG”
Mavundla, Vivian Reddy, the late Don Mkhwanazi and Nora Fakude-Nkuna,
who all rushed to his defence and were at his side in court appearances.
Fast forward to 2018, and Zuma's corruption charges have been reinstated, but some of those who backed him, like Reddy, are witnesses in the case against him.
Whether those who supported Zuma previously still back him will be answered - in part, on Friday as he appears before the Durban High Court where he faces 16 charges ranging from corruption, racketeering to money laundering. Thousands of supporters are expected, but the 'Friends of Jacob Zuma' are not expected to feature.
Zuma's backers at the time formed the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust. This is the same group that offered to pay Zuma's R7.8 million Nkandla bill after former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela found that his family had unduly benefited during security upgrades to his Nkandla home.
Mavundla slaughtered 20 cows when Zuma defeated former President Thabo Mbeki during the watershed Polokwane conference.
But now Zuma’s staunch allies are tight-lipped ahead of his appearance on Friday. Mkhwanazi has died, Reddy is a witness, Mavundla could not be reached by phone and Nkuna has been silent.
Instead, the former president appears to have made new friends in the shape of more radical groupings such as Andile Mgxitama’s Black First Land First, the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (Nafupa-SA), Delangokubona Business Forum, Asidle Sonke Business Forum and National Unemployed People’s Trust.
Zuma was forced to resign in February by his own party, the ANC, after talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded him.
Meanwhile, pro-Zuma supporters will hold a night vigil for on Thursday night at Albert Park and on Friday they will march to the Durban High Court. On Friday, they will march from the King Dinizulu Park at 8am and end in Margaret Mncadi Avenue (Victoria Embankment) opposite the court.
Metro police Spokesman, Parboo Sewpersad said, “We appeal to motorists to plan their routes carefully for tomorrow and to practice patience in the expected traffic congestion. Motorists should also find alternative routes where possible and stay away from the High Court precinct, ie. the entrance and exit of the Nkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4 Southern Freeway), Joseph Ndluli (Russell) Street and Margaret Mncadi Avenue,” he said.
Fast forward to 2018, and Zuma's corruption charges have been reinstated, but some of those who backed him, like Reddy, are witnesses in the case against him.
Whether those who supported Zuma previously still back him will be answered - in part, on Friday as he appears before the Durban High Court where he faces 16 charges ranging from corruption, racketeering to money laundering. Thousands of supporters are expected, but the 'Friends of Jacob Zuma' are not expected to feature.
Zuma's backers at the time formed the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust. This is the same group that offered to pay Zuma's R7.8 million Nkandla bill after former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela found that his family had unduly benefited during security upgrades to his Nkandla home.
Mavundla slaughtered 20 cows when Zuma defeated former President Thabo Mbeki during the watershed Polokwane conference.
But now Zuma’s staunch allies are tight-lipped ahead of his appearance on Friday. Mkhwanazi has died, Reddy is a witness, Mavundla could not be reached by phone and Nkuna has been silent.
Instead, the former president appears to have made new friends in the shape of more radical groupings such as Andile Mgxitama’s Black First Land First, the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (Nafupa-SA), Delangokubona Business Forum, Asidle Sonke Business Forum and National Unemployed People’s Trust.
Zuma was forced to resign in February by his own party, the ANC, after talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded him.
Meanwhile, pro-Zuma supporters will hold a night vigil for on Thursday night at Albert Park and on Friday they will march to the Durban High Court. On Friday, they will march from the King Dinizulu Park at 8am and end in Margaret Mncadi Avenue (Victoria Embankment) opposite the court.
Metro police Spokesman, Parboo Sewpersad said, “We appeal to motorists to plan their routes carefully for tomorrow and to practice patience in the expected traffic congestion. Motorists should also find alternative routes where possible and stay away from the High Court precinct, ie. the entrance and exit of the Nkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4 Southern Freeway), Joseph Ndluli (Russell) Street and Margaret Mncadi Avenue,” he said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE
* Zungu is a multimedia journalist at the Sunday Tribune
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