KWAZULU-Natal is on a high.
This follows breaking news that MK’s leader Jacob Gedleyehlekisa Zuma, is now eligible to stand for elections in May, with his face on the ballot paper.
The judgement was handed down by Electoral Court today, in Johannesburg.
“The decision of the Electoral Commission… is set aside,” the electoral court wrote in its ruling.
It did not provide an explanation of how the verdict was reached.
The electoral commission had earlier excluded Zuma from the contest, arguing that the Constitution bars anyone convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment from running from office.
Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism under his presidency.
Zuma SC Dali Mpofu and IEC’s legal counsil Tembeka Ngcukaitobi squared off on Monday, presenting compelling arguments.
This outcome means MK party will now challenge the ANC in KZN, as national elections take place on May 29 (now declared a national public holiday).
For the (81) his supporters will now vote with his face on the ballot paper.
As for IEC it cannot contest the judgment but comply.
Some welcomed the judgement but said Zuma is still to face court on other various charges.
Image (JG Zuma outside the Joburg Court on Monday, addressing his supporters).
