10 000 set for Zuma-case vigil
2005-11-09 22:36
Dries Liebenberg
Durban - Up to 10 000 people are expected at the magistrate's court when Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former deputy president, appears on charges of corruption.
Zuma is expected to appear briefly in the magistrate's court for the case to be transferred to Durban High Court, where the hearing will start on July 31 next year.
He will address the crowd after his court appearance.
In order to avoid scenes like those at his previous court appearance, when supporters burnt T-shirts bearing the face of President Thabo Mbeki, the African National Congress and its alliance members will deploy about 150 marshals to keep the peace.
Members of the provincial leadership of the ANC, Congress of South African Trade Unions and the SA Communist Party will help
calm the crowd, said Senzo Mchunu, KwaZulu-Natal secretary of the ANC.
About 5 000 people attended Zuma's court appearance in Durban about a month ago.
Fundraising will be in full swing
Mchunu said that double that number were expected at court this week.
Apart from security being boosted, the fundraising campaign in aid of Zuma's legal costs also would be promoted.
"We must not only protect the image of the ANC, but also that of Zuma," he said.
After the previous incidents at court, the ANC's provincial leadership has met with party members in Durban and Pietermaritzburg to explain their policy on Zuma.
Mchunu said: "Those attending the meetings condemned the burning of the T-shirts. People said it was a sign of their anger and frustration."
The Friends of Jacob Zuma trust, which was established in July, will make use of the crowd expected for Friday's vigil before Zuma's court appearance on Saturday to gather funds for Zuma's legal costs.
SMS campaign for money
Many top politicians and business people are expected to attend a cocktail party at a Durban beachfront hotel on Friday night.
The entrance fee of R250 a person also will go towards the Zuma fund.
The trust also planned to boost its SMS campaign to ask people to donate money.
People also will be able to donate money or make pledges in a tent to be set up at the vigil, said Barnabas Xulu, administrator of the fund.
- Beeld