GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
11 August 2023
The GOOD party has noted the decision by Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale that former President Jacob Zuma return to prison and then be released as part of the sentence remission programme.
This decision sends the unequivocal message that we are all subject to the rule of law and that no public officer, whether a member of the executive or a member of the public service, exercises personal powers that are not subject to the tests of legality and rationality.
Within hours of being processed, our former president was released as part of the Correctional Services remission process.
Although the timing of his, and 9,000 other prisoners, will be questioned, we cannot deny that former President Jacob Zuma falls into the category of “elderly and vulnerable” and is a “non-violent” offender.
We have no doubt that some political parties will seek to drive outrage, and will exploit this decision, but we do not believe we should be a nation baying for blood.
The imprisonment of a former president who swore to uphold the laws of this land, for contempt of court, is a betrayal of the people of South Africa and it demands a sober response.
Zuma has served some time for this offence; our rule of law has been tested and remains resilient.
Our former President is still facing serious criminal charges for which the remission program should not apply if he’s convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.
GOOD calls for a speedy resolution to his corruption trial so that the people of South Africa can finally have justice and closure on this long outstanding issue.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 5183 264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samantha Jackson, GOOD Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 550 9875
Email: media@forgood.org.za