Jacob Zuma latest: Steenhuisen hails ‘historic Con Court ruling’

DA leader John Steenhuisen has called the bombshell sentencing of former President Jacob Zuma by the Constitutional Court on Tuesday 29 June “one of the most important judgements in the history of South Africa’s democracy”, saying that a strong statement has been made for anyone – be they a citizen or former statesman – who thinks that they are above the law. 

He celebrated the decision by Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe as a victory for the DA, saying that they were critical in exposing Zuma’s many alleged criminal offences during his tenure as President. 

Zuma ‘has finally run out of runway’  

In a statement released shortly after Khampepe instructed Zuma to hand himself over to police within five days – failing which he’ll face the wrath of Police Minister Bheki Cele – Steenhuisen said that Zuma has at last reached the end of the line. 

“Mr Zuma – who has steadfastly dodged his day in court for well over a decade while claiming all the while that his day in court is all he wanted – has finally run out of runway,” he said. 

“This is one of the most important ConCourt judgments in the history of our democracy because it confirms that no one can stand above the law in South Africa. Not even a former President who still enjoys strong support within the ruling party.”

DA celebrate sentencing  

Steenhuisen said that the party is finally vindicated for it’s “relentless” battle against Zuma spanning more than a decade. 

“This is a major day for the DA. For 12 years we have pursued the case against Jacob Zuma relentlessly. We did so, often with very little public and media support, because we knew it was the right thing to do,” he said. 

“Long before Zuma was public enemy number one, we rang the alarm that he was destroying the institutions of democracy and subverting the constitutional order, to enrich his friends and family.”

Judgement ‘a crucial blow for equality before the law’  

He said that Zuma can no longer rely on the protection of the African National Congress (ANC), who Steenhuisen accused of being complicit in Zuma’s wrongdoing. 

“For years he was protected and cosseted by the ANC. For years they defended him, knowing full well what he was doing to South Africa,” he said. 

“We may have many other challenges as a country right now, but this judgment has struck a crucial blow for equality before the law, without which no democracy can prosper.”