Photo: Screenshot
‘Don’t blame me’: Zuma takes NO responsibility for COVID-19 violations
Despite being eligible, former president Jacob Zuma has not been vaccinated and was seen greeting supporters without a mask
Photo: Screenshot
It’s no secret that the gathering at Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in support of former president Jacob Zuma, was in violation of the current lockdown regulations. In addition, it was also a potential super spreader event for COVID-19.
On Sunday, 4 July 2021, crowds gathered outside Zuma’s homestead – on the same day he was scheduled to hand himself over to police and start serving his 15-month prison sentence.
In addition to exposing themselves to COVID-19, Zuma’s supporters have also expressed concerning sentiments, including threatening violence and unrest should he be taken to jail. But the former president has said he has no control over what his supporters do or say – including violating lockdown regulations and should thus not be blamed for their actions.
He faced some tough questions from journalists, particularly on why he has allowed supporters to descend on Nkandla, against lockdown rules. However his spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi quickly chimed in.
“The president is not going to answer that question. It is important to do a bit of research about an issue with a mask when you have a medical condition,” Manyi said.
“The fact that the president is not wearing a mask might very well be a medical condition which is a confidential thing he cannot disclose.”
South African Twitter weighs in on Nkandla super spreader
The scenes at Nkandla this past weekend have worried many who voiced their concerns on social media. Some pointing out that there seemed to be different rules for Jacob Zuma’s supporters – while the country has been encouraged to stay indoors, so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19, others are doing the exact opposite.
The situation in Nkandla even prompted the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intervene, but some are still unhappy with how the matter was handled.
“During the deployment, SAPS commanders and members on the ground have been provided clear and concise directives, that responses to any and all situations must be informed by proper analysis. To this end, every situation will be assessed and dealt with on it’s own merit,” SAPS spokesperson Vish Naidoo said.
