The National Association of Democratic Lawyers of South Africa (Nadel) has come out against former President Jacob Zuma’s decision to “excuse himself” from the Commission, without asking for permission from Judge Zondo, despite a valid summons having been issued for him to appear.

The Jacob Zuma Foundation recently released a statement supporting Zuma’s decision to walk out of the Zondo Commission.

Last week Judge Raymond Zondo dismissed Zuma’s application for Zondo to recuse himself from the State capture commission.

“The Foundation’s assertion that President Jacob Zuma would rather go to jail than face up to the Judge Zondo Commission is perplexing bearing in mind that the Commission was set up by President Zuma. When he established it, he was unequivocal in expressing his confidence for all judges in the country,” Nadel said.

The association said no one is above the law and expressed that the work of the Commission and its chairperson is a duly instituted public inquiry.

Nadel said the Commission should not be distracted from its task from what it calls “transparent attempts at undermining its legitimacy”.

The association expressed its confidence in Zondo and noted attacks on its colleagues, Advocates Paul Pretorius and Tembeka Ngcukaitobi and was optimistic that the Zuma Foundation would issue proper retractions and apologies.