South African governing party calls for calm after former president incarcerated

South Africa’s governing party African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday called for calm after former President Jacob Zuma was sent to jail for contempt of court.

Zuma went to jail on Wednesday mid-night to serve a 15-month jail sentence. “The African National Congress notes that Former President Jacob Zuma has since complied with an incarceration order issued by the Constitutional Court. Without doubt this is a difficult period in the movement and we call upon our members to remain calm and respect the decision taken by Former President Jacob Zuma to abide by the rulings of the court,” said Pule Mabe, spokesperson of the ANC. He stated that the ANC is committed to defend the Constitution, rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary.

Dipak Patel from Defend Our Democracy campaign welcomed Zuma’s incarceration. He called on people to put the interests of democracy first and uphold the Constitution and rule of law. “This is an important step in affirming the principle that all are equal before the law. In light of the reports, it is imperative that individuals, organizations, as well as political parties and formations, react in a manner that is reasonable, responsible and lawful,” he said.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation welcomes the fact that Zuma has submitted himself to law enforcement.”For nearly two decades now, Mr Zumahas acted with impunity, and has encouraged cultures of impunity around him,” said the foundation, “It is tempting to regard Mr Zuma’s arrest as the end of the road. But this is merely another phase in what we believe will be a long and fraught journey. The patterns and the dangers are clear. It is vital that Mr Zuma and his supporters be held accountable every step of the way.” However, the Jacob Zuma Foundation on Thursday labeled Zuma’s incarceration a tragedy, insisting that he was “jailed without trial.”

Xinhua