The DA issued an SMS to 1 593 682 cellphone numbers, accusing President Jacob Zuma of stealing public money.
The message read: “The Nkandla report shows how Zuma stole your money to build his R246m home. Vote DA on 7 May to beat corruption. Together for change.”
The ANC has taken the DA to court over the matter, as the former claims the latter has not complied with the Electoral Act in terms of the prohibition of publishing false information. Prior to the DA’s court appearance, its Gauteng Premier Candidate Mmusi Maimane said, “We are looking forward to defending our right to hold the President to account for improperly benefiting from the use of millions of rand in public money on his private residence.”
“We intend to oppose the ANC’s High Court application since we believe the comment issued in the disputed SMS was fair within the context of the many damning findings of the report.”
Meanwhile, as court proceedings got underway on 2 April, DA supporters gathered outside the court in protest.
Wearing DA apparel, a group of protesters carried posters which read “Stop corruption”. They also chanted anti-Zuma slogans and called for Zuma to be removed from office.
The matter is expected to be heard in court after midday.
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