DURBAN, South Africa – The ANC top leaders has agreed to give former president Jacob Zuma space to continue speaking with lawyers about his refusal to appear before the commission after their meeting on Monday.
The meeting was meant to change Zuma’s mind about appearing before the state capture of inquiry. However, the officials’ attempts failed as Zuma told them that as much he respected the constitution, he also had his rights.
While addressing the media, ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule said, “The top six heard his explanation and agreed to give him space to continue consulting with his lawyers on these issues which he has actually raised on whether to appear before the commission.”
Magashule said in his presentation, Zuma detailed his reasons for defying the Constitutional Court which had ordered him to appear before the commission. Zuma also told the top six officials that he did not have a problem with the commission itself and that he would appear only if its chairperson, deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, was to recuse himself.
By Zakithi Dlamini