Book by former S.African leader Zuma leaves public divided

JOHANNESBURG

South Africans are divided after a new book by former President Jacob Zuma meant to set the record straight over corruption allegations during his rule sold out on Monday.

“The demand has far outstripped the supply. The entire stock is gone,” the Jacob Zuma foundation said in a statement Monday.

The foundation said it was humbled by the support people have shown it by purchasing all the books. “We apologize to all those who still don't have copies,” the foundation said, adding that it is hard at work on a new printing.

“How many copies were printed? 10 or 100?” asked on Twitter user from an area near Johannesburg. The foundation did not mention how many copies were published, but said proceeds would go to Zuma’s legal costs.

According to the foundation, an unsigned copy of Jacob Zuma Speaks goes for 300 rand ($18.74) while a signed copy costs 1,000 rand ($62.46).

According to excerpts of the book posted online, Zuma reportedly believes that his successor Cyril Ramaphosa avoided implementing the expropriation of land without compensation, a resolution which was adopted by the ruling African National congress (ANC) some four years ago.

But another Twitter user asked why Zuma didn’t implement land expropriation himself since he was in office for years.

Some South Africans were happy that they would finally get to read a story told by Zuma himself, a man who has been accused of many wrongdoings.

But others slammed Zuma over corruption allegations, especially involving the Indian Gupta family.

Zuma resigned in 2018 after succumbing to pressure from his own ruling African National Congress (ANC) party following widespread allegations of corruption.

He was accused of being influenced by the wealthy Indian Gupta family to appoint ministers and government officials who would advance their business interests. The Guptas received several lucrative businesses contracts, some of which they did not execute.

Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied any involvement in corruption.

The 79-year old Zuma also faces 16 counts that include corruption, money laundering, fraud and racketeering linked to a $2.5 billion arms deal dating to the late 1990s.

He was jailed in July for contempt of court after he failed to appear before a commission of inquiry probing corruption during his tenure in office, but was released in September due to ill health.