The ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday said it was not yet ready to comment on the jailing of the party’s former leader Jacob Zuma.
“The ANC is studying the judgment,” Party spokesperson Pule Mabe said.
He said the party noted the ruling and was appealing to members “to stay calm”.
Pule said the ANC NEC will meet at the weekend to deliberate on the judgment.
Earlier acting chief justice, Sisi Virginia Khampepe, read a majority Concourt judgment that found Zuma “guilty of Contempt of court”.
She found that Zuma was in contempt of court when he walked out of the Zondo commission, refused to return, and ignored a summons.
The former president was protesting Justice Raymond Zondo’s refusal to recuse himself as chair of the state capture commission.
Zuma claimed they had a “relationship” which he said would not result in a fair hearing. Zondo rejected the claim and did not recuse himself.
The former president then took the matter to a different court, where the outcome is pending.
However, the Concourt found Zuma had defied a lawful court order.
The former president also paid for making disparaging remarks about the judiciary.
Addressing supporters, Zuma cast aspersions on some in the judiciary and boasted that he did not fear going to jail.
Zuma said he was not going to participate in “their law”.
On Tuesday, Justice Khampepe slapped the former president with an unprecedented 15-month prison term.
She ordered Zuma to hand himself over to the police within five days.
Reacting to the sentencing, Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma, tweeted: “Amandla. Just spoke to my Father @PresJGZuma. Is in high spirits and has no fear.
“We have a choice between serving our time in Joburg or Nkandla. Of course we have chosen to be close to home.
“Lockdown or no lockdown, we will escort you to serve your time.”
Duduzile’s comments were in contrast with MK Veterans camped outside Zuma’s Nkandla compound. They say they are there “to defend” the former president and prevent his imminent arrest.
Zuma’s spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi, said he was “shocked and disappointed”.
“If you have judges that are saying this judgment is unconstitutional, what do you expect should be the attitude of president Zuma?” he asked.
Duduzile’s bother, Edward, said his father would not be dragged to jail while he was alive. “They will have to pass through me … I am ready to lay down my life”.
