Stalwarts and veterans of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Friday labelled former President Jacob Zuma’s refusal to appear before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture as “brazen and shameless”.

They expressed confidence that they represented the vast majority of ANC members and said they were disturbed by Zuma’s decision to defy a Constitutional Court order that required him to appear before the commission.

Zuma recently announced in an open letter that he was not going to appear before the State capture commission led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to answer questions on allegations of State capture.

The stalwarts and veterans urged the ANC to distance itself from Zuma’s conduct and ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule’s recent comments in defence of Zuma, in which he also said that the Constitution was not sacrosanct.

They added that Zuma’s defiance demonstrates contempt for South Africa’s Constitutional democracy.

“The court made it clear that he can answer questions without violating his Constitutional right not to incriminate himself. The law must take its course and nobody, not even former President Zuma, is above the law,” the statement stated.

They believe that Zuma’s decision to defy the apex court’s ruling and not appear before the Commission, which he himself had appointed, is arrogant and hypocritical as he still receives benefits as a former president, funded by taxpayers, which is sanctioned by the very same Constitutional democracy at which he is now thumbing his nose.

The stalwarts and veterans called on the ANC to reinforce its support for the Zondo commission at its upcoming National Executive Meeting (NEC).

“We call on the ANC NEC to take a firm and unequivocal position against former President Zuma, Ace Magashule and any other members of the ANC, particularly those in senior positions, that tolerate or promote the violation of the constitution of the country and the breaking of the laws of our country,” they said.