ANC KZN ‘delighted’ at Zuma remission decision
The ANC in KZN says it is pleased that the issue of former president Jacob Zuma's prison sentence has been put to rest.
Provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma welcomed Zuma's release on remission given to non-violent offenders, as granted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"Such issues are critical and I'm sure the people of KwaZulu-Natal are delighted as we are, as the ANC," said Duma.
Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola announced the decision on Friday, saying the decision was taken to address overcrowding in prisons.
The former president was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment in 2021 on a charge of contempt of court after he failed to appear before the Zondo Commission.
His incarceration sparked widespread unrest in KZN and parts of Gauteng with businesses looted and torched and over 350 people killed.
Two months after his incarceration, Zuma was released on medical parole by former national commissioner Arthur Fraser.
In July, the Constitutional Court dismissed an application by the Department of Correctional Services for leave to appeal a ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal on whether or not Zuma should go back to jail.
Duma commended Zuma for availing himself to all processes.
"Which is why he had to wake early in the morning, go to Estcourt as a law abiding citizen, and as someone who has fought so hard for this freedom that we have attained as a country.
“At this point in time we are slowly recouping what must be done at the level of us, at the level of government, at the level of society, at the level of all stakeholders, and I'm sure this is going to give us a nice traction for us to campaign clearly for 2024," Duma added.
