Thousands of people have gathered today, 6 April 2018, outside the Durban High Court ahead of former President Jacob Zuma’s court case.
A group, including religious, business and political leaders have expressed their support for the former president.
Supporters held a night vigil the day before the court case to show their solidarity.
In an interview with Political Analysis South Africa on 5 April 2018, Black First Land First (BLF) leader, Andile Mngxitama said that his party would be supporting Zuma because the former president Represents Radical Economic Transformation (RET).
Mngxitama said that Zuma is the representation of RET and therefore needs to be defended.
“Radical Economic Transformation agenda is under attack inside the ANC and him being as a symbolic representative of the agenda is being attacked through the judiciary,” he said.
“We are not going to let Zuma be isolated, vilified and unfairly persecuted,” Mngxitama added.
Zuma is set to appear before the court on 16 charges relating to payments he allegedly received from French arms company, Thint. The company is facing two charges.
Charges against the former president were dropped in 2009 by former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, Mokotedi Mpshe, paving the way for Zuma to become president of the country.
Current NPA head, Shaun Abrahams, announced last month that charges against Zuma would be reinstated. The former president faces charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.