The spokesperson for South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), Zizi Kodwa, on Friday said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) should tell the country what its intentions were following the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling which held that the withdrawal of 783 corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma was irrational

“We have full confidence in our judiciary and the options it offers to aggrieved parties, but at an appropriate time, in terms of the options, I think the affected parties would in time make comprehensive statements,” Kodwa told television station eNCA.

“One of the core principles of our jurisprudence is audi alteram partem [listen to the other side]…because that principle also protects the interests of accused persons and I think as soon the NPA makes clear its intention for all of us [the better], but I don’t think we should succumb to mob injustice…”

Pushed on the position of the ruling party, Kodwa said: “The ANC doesn’t agree or disagree, its a matter of the court that’s why our courts are the final arbiters. The ANC, in terms of its feeling and emotions, is not important on the matter and I think those institutions of our democracy, our prosecuting authority must do their work, it’s not what the ANC thinks.”

Earlier on Friday morning SCA Justice Eric Leach upheld the High Court’s ruling that the decision to withdraw 783 charges of corruption and fraud against Zuma was irrational. It said the high court judgment could not be faulted.
Kodwa said while the court case has affected the ANC brand, he trusted that voters would make a distinction between Zuma’s legal woes and the organisation.