'I will follow him'
2008-09-12 22:41
Pietermaritzburg - Enathi Kubeka's passion for African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma is a blend of unquestioned support and good business sense.
"Wherever Jacob Zuma is, I follow him, because I know people like him," said the 27-year-old street merchant in front of carefully laid-out Zuma portraits that Kubeka was offering for sale.
Kubeka's open-air stall did a roaring trade outside the high court here on Friday where corruption charges against Zuma were thrown out - opening the way for him to become South Africa's president in 2009.
The portraits of the ANC chief - catering for all budgets in gilt frames to postcard-sized prints and in poses from raised fists to unguarded laughter - help fill Kubeka's pockets.
But when it comes to Zuma himself, Kubeka echoed the devotion of thousands of supporters who waited in the cold and rain outside the court for the man they revere like a pop star.
His greatest fan
"It's about time we get a new leader and South Africa chose Zuma," the merchant said. "So be it. I'm not a supporter - I'm Zuma's greatest fan. I'm 100% behind him."
Pietermaritzburg was Zuma territory on Friday. The man also known by his clan name Msholozi featured on banners, posters, T-shirts and badges, as well as on DVDs outlining his trials and tribulations.
Alongside the paraphernalia, kebabs and sausages were being grilled. Cellphone stands had been set up, piles of fruit put on sale and carefully prepared sandwiches neatly arranged on tables.
Zuma supporters climbed trees to get a better view of him when he made an appearance on a stage inside a white tent opposite the court.
In the crowd was Ngwanatheko Maserumule, 46, who travelled 12 hours from Limpopo province.
"We give him moral support so that he can have faith in his case," she said, dressed in ANC colours.
'No more Mbeki'
Once Zuma thanked his followers for their "true support", the crowd erupted when he broke into his signature song Umshini wami (Bring Me My Machine Gun).
"He knows the style of the people," Nomsa Nkosi, 25. "He's from a poor family so he knows the style of black people."
Zuma, who President Thabo Mbeki fired as deputy president, was flanked on Friday by top leaders of the ANC and its allies in a show of support for his candidacy for South Africa's highest office.
Fired up by their hero's vindication in court, supporters called for a new broom to sweep the party and the government.
"I decided to come today because I know Zuma is going to be president," said a 62-year-old woman wearing a bright cloth featuring Zuma's face, who took the day off work to offer support.
"No more Mbeki, no more. He must go out and solve other people's problems. He does not solve our problems."