Jacob Zuma’s unavailability to appear before Zondo Commission sparks conversation on Twitter

Jacob Zuma’s response to the request for him to appear before the Zondo Commission has sparked conversation on Twitter, with some comparing the media’s commentary on his response to Pravin Gordhan’s.

Jacob Zuma’s response to the request for him to appear before the Zondo Commission was circulated on social media on Monday, 31 August 2020. According to the media, the former president is represented by Mabuza Attorneys, who stated that he is unavailable for the proposed date of Wednesday, 9 September 2020.

His response has been compared to that of Pravin Gordhan’s, in which he reportedly sent an intern on the day to state that he was “too busy.” The comparison between the two political figures’ responses became topical on Twitter as some questioned the media’s handling of their narratives and individual responses.

Some suggested that Zuma is continually vilified by the media as part of the RET faction, while Gordhan’s response was not as heavily scrutinised. This is allegedly because of Gordhan’s interaction with the media as part of Ramaphosa’s faction.

See the posts below.

#ZondoInquiry
12 August 2020
Pravin :I am not coming because I am too busy

Karyn :*(silent and deviates)

31August 2020
Zuma: Im not coming because my lawyers won't be available

Karyn: 💬📢 ZUMA IS NOT GOING!!!. DRAMA LOADING!!!!

— Ota Benga (@MmuiWabatho) August 31, 2020

You'll only see such reporting when it's about Zuma and Mkhwebane, but when it's Pravin you see different reporting. No journalists in SA #smh https://t.co/Xiw2HPCnuD

— lleko❄ (@llekoc) August 31, 2020

@StateCaptureCom when will Pravin Gordhan appear for his cross-examination? Wasn't it pushed for end of August after he failed to appear ealier this month?

Today, its the 31st of August… pic.twitter.com/ft7Za4Fkuc

— Sphithiphithi Evaluator (@_AfricanSoil) August 31, 2020

Zondo never said yes yes yes he was pissed an said the work Pravin claimed to be busy with in parliament is not more important than the commission he even said he will rethink sending everyone subpoenas to appear at the commission, be fair on relaying things that happened. pic.twitter.com/KR3Y6ozfg8

— MR DICK (@kabelodick) August 31, 2020

Gordhan sent an intern to tell Zondo that he was busy with important things and Zondo said yes yes yes yes yes.

— Majozi (@JoeMajozie) August 31, 2020

Sabelo Makhubo
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