Jabu, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has slammed popular British supermodel Naomi Campbell for suggesting that her father did everything he could to avoid prosecution for corruption.
The 51-year-old, in a lengthy open letter which she shared via Instagram on Friday, accused Zuma of stoking division in the country.
She added the unrest started by Zuma’s supporters had threatened Nelson Mandela’s vision for a prosperous South Africa.
She said, “This isn’t the South Africa I remember and that millions of South African’s fought for. [sic]”
But Jabu, in her response, said Campbell was “not qualified” to speak nor give recommendations on what her father should or should not do.
She aid, “You’re simply not qualified and must be deluded to think you could ever (make recommendations on what Zuma should do).”
She added that Campbell is unaware of South Africa’s struggles and her father’s contribution to making SA better.
She wrote, “What you remember SA to be is not and has never been a reflection of the true SA. If you had actually been watching president Zuma over the last few years as you claim, you will be well aware of the fact that all he has ever called for was a fair trial. He has been more than willing to stand in front of a court and prove his innocence.
Jabu added, “President Zuma has never had an issue with appearing before the commission, he’s done so previously. His issue lies with having to appear before Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. The civil unrest is bigger than president Zuma’s arrest. South Africans are hungry, impoverished, unemployed, and tired of living in a country where the government marginalises them,” she said.
Campbell had accused Zuma of hypocrisy, saying the ex-president defied the courts yet spoke of upholding the rule of law, resulting in violence after his imprisonment.
“These actions not only saw hundreds lose their lives and property be destroyed. But its effects will now be felt by many millions more. Each day you defy the courts and stoke division you take a step backwards from Madiba’s vision for South Africa to prosper and for there not only be equitable political justice but also economic justice,” she wrote.
“Agree to finish your appearance in front of the state capture commission and equally you will have your days in court to contest the corruption charges alleged against you. Put the nation first.”
While Campbell was praised for speaking out against Zuma, his followers soon insulted her and urged her to mind her own business.
Following a barrage of unfavorable responses, Campbell deactivated comments on her post.