After serving a short stint in prison and continuing his fight to stay out of jail, former president Jacob Zuma's supporters are doing their best to shower him with gifts and donations.
The former president is expected to have an event, hosted on
his behalf, in his hometown of Nkandla on Thursday.
The event is being hosted as an appreciation event, dubbed
"nine wonderful and most progressive years in the history of our
democracy".
The reference to "nine years" is likely a swipe at
public comments which described Zuma's administration as "nine wasted
years".
The former president is known to host a variety of
Christmas-linked events for children and people in the vicinity of his home.
This year, though, he is the one who looks set to be
showered with gifts.
He has had an eventful year, facing corruption charges and a
court case linked to the arms deal matter.
Zuma served a short stint in prison earlier this year because he defied a Constitutional Court order that he testify at the State Capture Inquiry.
Judge Elias Matojane gave Zuma, correctional services leave to appeal his medical parole ruling on Tuesday.
His supporters, however, have pushed for a different narrative, including the publication of book – titled Jacob Zuma Speaks – which is a collection of his speeches as well as commentary from his allies.
'We all started there'
The former president's son, Duduzane, was elected branch
chairperson of an ANC Newlands branch. Despite questions remaining around
Duduzane's political ambitions, Zuma seemed chuffed.
The former president is encouraging his son's political
ambitions. In a publicised video, he said that he, too, started his political
journey in the same place.
"The politics are important. Take the interests of
branch members, supporters and the community in your area. It is a challenge
and an important achievement that you have made," Zuma told his
Duduzane.
