Johannesburg – Former president Jacob Zuma’s delayed press briefing finally took place on Saturday afternoon – a day after it was initially scheduled.
Zuma singled out President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chief Justice Raymond Zondo for harsh criticism.
Pointing to the money found at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm, the former president accused his predecessor of corruption.
“I often wonder what the situation would have been if I was the one accused of having millions of dollars hidden under mattresses. I wonder what would have happened if that was an allegation out of Nkandla,” lamented Zuma.
“Let us not beat about the bush about the neglect of constitutional duty that comes with abusing the office of the President to conduct private business.
“I am assuming that what President Ramaphosa has said about the many dollars under his bed or furniture is true – that he conducts private businesses while serving as President of our country.
“That on its own is unconstitutional and those who applaud him for doing so commit the most disgusting transgression.
“Conducting private business while holding the high office of President is nothing but corruption, which is inconsistent with the nature of that office and the Constitution.”
The matter remains under investigation by various law enforcement agencies.
Ramaphosa, who denies any wrongdoing, says the probes must be allowed to conclude before he gives a detailed account of the case.
Zuma said many people in the country were unhappy and were of the view that Ramaphosa was a failed president.
The former president said the poor performance of Eskom and disposal of state shares in SAA was evidence of failure.
“SAA is gone, Eskom is in shambles, and we accept this incompetence. What will now follow is our ports, rail and water,” Zuma said.
The former president accused Justice Zondo of acting unfairly and outside the constitution when dealing with him.
Zuma said Justice Zondo should have recused himself from the state capture commission because he was “his friend” who even gave a speech as his wedding at Nkandla.
“My imprisonment started with Justice Zondo setting out an unprecedented legal process against me, in terms of which, I became his target of abuse,” Zuma said.
The 80-year-old former president said he was aware there were “branches” considering nominating him to contest for leadership positions of the African National Congress (ANC), which has its elective congress later this year in December.
“Whilst I am relieved about the ending of my prison sentence, I still remain exposed to the injustice visited upon me by the justice system of this country,” Zuma said.
Though he could not be drawn to say if he would accept the nomination, Zuma said he would never defy instructions from the ANC.
SEE THE FULL STATEMENT READ BY ZUMA AT THE BRIEFING BELOW
