South African military said on Monday that it was deploying soldiers in order to control protests and quell violence that has erupted during demonstrations supporting ex-South Africa president Jacob Zuma. As of now, soldiers will be deployed in two provinces namely Guateng and KwaZulu-Natal. The latter is home province of Jacob Zuma.

Soldiers will also be deployed in Johannesburg, the commercial hub of South Africa which is witnessing widespread violence.

Zuma is currently serving 15-month sentence handed to him due to contempt of court.

"The South African National Defence Force has commenced with pre-deployment processes and procedures in line with a request for assistance received... to assist law enforcement agencies deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces respectively to quell the unrest that has gripped both Provinces in the last few days," it said in a statement.

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Current President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa warned protesters against committing acts of violence.

“It is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions.This must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs as we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism that is underpinned by the diversity and unity of all the people of South Africa, whatever their language, culture, religious beliefs and race,” the president said.

(With inputs from agencies)

South African military said on Monday that it was deploying soldiers in order to control protests and quell violence that has erupted during demonstrations supporting ex-South Africa president Jacob Zuma.

South African military said on Monday that it was deploying soldiers in order to control protests and quell violence that has erupted during demonstrations supporting ex-South Africa president Jacob Zuma. As of now, soldiers will be deployed in two provinces namely Guateng and KwaZulu-Natal. The latter is home province of Jacob Zuma. Soldiers will also be deployed in Johannesburg, the commercial hub of South Africa which is witnessing widespread violence. Zuma is currently serving 15-month sentence handed to him due to contempt of court. "The South African National Defence Force has commenced with pre-deployment processes and procedures in line with a request for assistance received... to assist law enforcement agencies deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces respectively to quell the unrest that has gripped both Provinces in the last few days," it said in a statement. × Current President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa warned protesters against committing acts of violence. “It is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions.This must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs as we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism that is underpinned by the diversity and unity of all the people of South Africa, whatever their language, culture, religious beliefs and race,” the president said. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa: Military deployed to quell violence by Zuma supporters

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence that has rocked the country's biggest economic provinces in recent days after the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.

He has also given a strong warning to the offenders, amid mounting public outrage over the violence.&nbsp;

South Africa’s two provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, witnessed a series of violent protests over the weekend. 
 
The protest, which was initially started by supporters of former President Zuma, soon turned into criminal activity. 
 
According to police, 62 people had been arrested until Sunday morning in both the provinces for vandalism, looting, blocking roads. 
 
President Ramaphosa on Sunday sent out a stern message to the violent protestors. 
 
“It is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions.This must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs as we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism that is underpinned by the diversity and unity of all the people of South Africa, whatever their language, culture, religious beliefs and race,” the president said. 
 
"Let us be clear, as a nation, that we will not tolerate acts of criminality.Those who are involved in acts of violence will be arrested and prosecuted.Those found guilty of breaking the lockdown regulations will receive the stipulated penalty. This will be done without fear or favour, "Ramaphosa said. 
 
The President also cautioned those attempting to create confusion by sharing false images and videos, often from events that took place many years ago. 
 
"I ask that you think carefully before sharing anything on social media," he said. 
 
While President Ramaphosa was addressing the nation, looting continued in various areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. 
 
The Constitutional Court is expected to hear the former President's application for a rescission of his 15-month prison sentence on Monday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence that has rocked the country's biggest economic provinces in recent days after the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence that has rocked the country's biggest economic provinces in recent days after the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma. He has also given a strong warning to the offenders, amid mounting public outrage over the violence. South Africa’s two provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, witnessed a series of violent protests over the weekend. The protest, which was initially started by supporters of former President Zuma, soon turned into criminal activity. According to police, 62 people had been arrested until Sunday morning in both the provinces for vandalism, looting, blocking roads. President Ramaphosa on Sunday sent out a stern message to the violent protestors. “It is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions.This must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs as we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism that is underpinned by the diversity and unity of all the people of South Africa, whatever their language, culture, religious beliefs and race,” the president said. "Let us be clear, as a nation, that we will not tolerate acts of criminality.Those who are involved in acts of violence will be arrested and prosecuted.Those found guilty of breaking the lockdown regulations will receive the stipulated penalty. This will be done without fear or favour, "Ramaphosa said. The President also cautioned those attempting to create confusion by sharing false images and videos, often from events that took place many years ago. "I ask that you think carefully before sharing anything on social media," he said. While President Ramaphosa was addressing the nation, looting continued in various areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The Constitutional Court is expected to hear the former President's application for a rescission of his 15-month prison sentence on Monday.

South Africa violence: President Ramaphosa warns protesters of stern action

Acts of violence by former South Africa president Jacob Zuma suporters spread to country's main economic hub on Sunday. Shops were looted &nbsp;a section of the M2 highway was closed and stick-wielding protesters marched through the streets of Johannesburg.

Reuters reported saw a column of protesters carrying stick, golf clubs and marching through Johannesburg's Central Business District, where liquor stores had been burgled and shop windows smashed.

Jacob Zuma the former president of South Africa is currently in jail serving his 15-month jail term handed to him for contempt of court.

Zuma's sentencing and subsequent imprisonment have been seen as a test of the post-apartheid nation's ability to enforce the law fairly -- even against powerful politicians -- 27 years after the African National Congress (ANC) ousted the white minority rulers to usher in democracy.

But his incarceration has angered Zuma's supporters and exposed rifts within the ANC.

Police said criminals were taking advantage of the anger to steal and cause damage. National intelligence body NatJOINTS warned that those inciting violence could face criminal charges.

Zuma was given the jail term for defying an order from the constitutional court to give evidence at an inquiry that is investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in power until 2018.

He denies there was widespread corruption under his leadership but has refused to cooperate with the inquiry, which was was set up in his final weeks in office.

Zuma has challenged his sentence in the constitutional court, partly on the grounds of his alleged frail health and the risk of catching COVID-19. That challenge will be heard on Monday (July 12).

(With inputs from agencies)

Acts of violence by former South Africa president Jacob Zuma suporters spread to country's main economic hub on Sunday. Shops were looted a section of the M2 highway was closed and stick-wielding protesters marched through the streets of Johannesburg.

Acts of violence by former South Africa president Jacob Zuma suporters spread to country's main economic hub on Sunday. Shops were looted a section of the M2 highway was closed and stick-wielding protesters marched through the streets of Johannesburg. Reuters reported saw a column of protesters carrying stick, golf clubs and marching through Johannesburg's Central Business District, where liquor stores had been burgled and shop windows smashed. Jacob Zuma the former president of South Africa is currently in jail serving his 15-month jail term handed to him for contempt of court. Zuma's sentencing and subsequent imprisonment have been seen as a test of the post-apartheid nation's ability to enforce the law fairly -- even against powerful politicians -- 27 years after the African National Congress (ANC) ousted the white minority rulers to usher in democracy. But his incarceration has angered Zuma's supporters and exposed rifts within the ANC. Police said criminals were taking advantage of the anger to steal and cause damage. National intelligence body NatJOINTS warned that those inciting violence could face criminal charges. Zuma was given the jail term for defying an order from the constitutional court to give evidence at an inquiry that is investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in power until 2018. He denies there was widespread corruption under his leadership but has refused to cooperate with the inquiry, which was was set up in his final weeks in office. Zuma has challenged his sentence in the constitutional court, partly on the grounds of his alleged frail health and the risk of catching COVID-19. That challenge will be heard on Monday (July 12). (With inputs from agencies)

Jacob Zuma jailing: Violence spreads to South Africa's economic hub

Jacob Zuma supporters take violence to South Africa's commercial hub

Hours after court denied bail to South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma, large scale protests have blocked the country's province KwaZulu-Natal. The protesters blocked key national highways and also burned trucks.

Jacob Zuma's supporters go on rampage, violence spreads to Johannesburg

South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma began a 15-month sentence for contempt of court, becoming South Africa's first post-apartheid president to be jailed after a drama that campaigners said ended in a victory for rule of law.

South Africa: Meet the top cop who made Zuma surrender

As violent protests raged against former South African President Jacob Zuma's jailing, several trucks were set on fire on a main highway in South Africa on Friday night (local time). This caused closure of one of country's biggest roads.

Police on Saturday (July 10) said they had arrested 28 people.

Protests erupted in parts of Zuma's home province KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) after he handed himself over to the police to serve 15-month jail term for contempt of court.

On Friday, the high court dismissed Zuma's application to have his arrest overturned in a case that has been seen as a test of the post-apartheid nation's rule of law. An hour before the ruling, a Reuters photographer saw a group of protesters shouting "Zuma!" burning tyres and blocking a road.

Zuma's imprisonment has laid bare deep divisions in the governing African National Congress (ANC), as a party faction remains loyal to the former president and has been a potent source of opposition to his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa.

KZN police spokesman Jay Naicker said the 28 arrests had happened since Friday on charges including public violence, burglary, malicious damage to property, and contravention of COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

He said protesters had set alight some trucks near Mooi River, a town on the N3 highway that leads from Durban to Johannesburg, and shops had been looted in Mooi River and eThekwini, the municipality that includes Durban.

Law enforcement officers had been deployed to all districts in the province but there had been no deaths or injuries so far, he added. As of lunchtime, the N3 was closed at Mooi River.

Ramaphosa, whose allies engineered Zuma's ouster in 2018, said in a statement that "criminal elements must be met with the full might of the law".

Zuma was given the jail term for defying an order from the constitutional court to give evidence at an inquiry investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in power.

He denies there was widespread corruption under his leadership but has refused to cooperate with the inquiry that was set up in his final weeks in office.

(With inputs from agencies)

As violent protests raged against former South African President Jacob Zuma's jailing, several trucks were set on fire on a main highway in South Africa on Friday night (local time).

As violent protests raged against former South African President Jacob Zuma's jailing, several trucks were set on fire on a main highway in South Africa on Friday night (local time). This caused closure of one of country's biggest roads. Police on Saturday (July 10) said they had arrested 28 people. Protests erupted in parts of Zuma's home province KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) after he handed himself over to the police to serve 15-month jail term for contempt of court. On Friday, the high court dismissed Zuma's application to have his arrest overturned in a case that has been seen as a test of the post-apartheid nation's rule of law. An hour before the ruling, a Reuters photographer saw a group of protesters shouting "Zuma!" burning tyres and blocking a road. Zuma's imprisonment has laid bare deep divisions in the governing African National Congress (ANC), as a party faction remains loyal to the former president and has been a potent source of opposition to his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa. KZN police spokesman Jay Naicker said the 28 arrests had happened since Friday on charges including public violence, burglary, malicious damage to property, and contravention of COVID-19 lockdown regulations. He said protesters had set alight some trucks near Mooi River, a town on the N3 highway that leads from Durban to Johannesburg, and shops had been looted in Mooi River and eThekwini, the municipality that includes Durban. Law enforcement officers had been deployed to all districts in the province but there had been no deaths or injuries so far, he added. As of lunchtime, the N3 was closed at Mooi River. Ramaphosa, whose allies engineered Zuma's ouster in 2018, said in a statement that "criminal elements must be met with the full might of the law". Zuma was given the jail term for defying an order from the constitutional court to give evidence at an inquiry investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in power. He denies there was widespread corruption under his leadership but has refused to cooperate with the inquiry that was set up in his final weeks in office. (With inputs from agencies)

Zuma supporters protest ex-South African president's jailing

South Africa: Former President Jacob Zuma's supporters go on rampage

South Africa: Protestors blocked key national highways

The&nbsp;mayor&nbsp;of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus.

Mayor&nbsp;Geoff Makhubo, who fell ill with Covid last month, died from complications at the age of 53.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-of-covid-19-is-yet-to-come-for-africa-who-396816">Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO</a>

The loss is "a stark reminder of the threat posed by this deadly pandemic, against which we are all extremely vulnerable," said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Makhubo was diagnosed before the country opened up vaccination to people aged under 60.

From July 1, people aged 50-59 were asked to start registering for their shots, which were scheduled to start being administered from July 15.

But many showed up at vaccination centres just after they had registered and were immunised.

On Friday, acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced plans to widen vaccination to the 35-49 age group from August 1.

The latest wave of infections in South Africa, the continent's hardest-hit country for coronvavirus, have been&nbsp;driven by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta</a> variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-driving-covid-surge-in-south-africa-394228">Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa</a>

South Africa has recorded more than 2.1 million cases.

Numbers are rapidly rising, with a pandemic-high 26,485 recorded on Saturday alone.&nbsp;

On Thursday it saw 22,910 new cases and 460 deaths, taking its total number of fatalities to 63,499.

"What's happening in South Africa is happening is many countries that still have low vaccination rates," virologist Tulio de Oliveira&nbsp;told the news briefing.

Only a tiny fraction have been of South Africa's 59 million people have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-moves-to-level-4-lockdown-as-covid-19-infections-surge-president-cyril-ramaphosa-394436">South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa</a>

"We have reached 5.6 percent of the population, obviously way too little to reach herd immunity," said Nicholas Crisp, the health ministry's deputy director-general.

After a faltering start to its immunisation programme, the government is targeting 250,000 jabs daily.&nbsp;

It has recently approved the China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, which join the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> and Johnson &amp; Johnson formulas in the national vaccine arsenal.

The mayor of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third Covid wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus.

The mayor of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third Covid wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus. Mayor Geoff Makhubo, who fell ill with Covid last month, died from complications at the age of 53. Also read | Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO The loss is "a stark reminder of the threat posed by this deadly pandemic, against which we are all extremely vulnerable," said President Cyril Ramaphosa. Makhubo was diagnosed before the country opened up vaccination to people aged under 60. From July 1, people aged 50-59 were asked to start registering for their shots, which were scheduled to start being administered from July 15. But many showed up at vaccination centres just after they had registered and were immunised. On Friday, acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced plans to widen vaccination to the 35-49 age group from August 1. The latest wave of infections in South Africa, the continent's hardest-hit country for coronvavirus, have been driven by the Delta variant. Also read | Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa South Africa has recorded more than 2.1 million cases. Numbers are rapidly rising, with a pandemic-high 26,485 recorded on Saturday alone. On Thursday it saw 22,910 new cases and 460 deaths, taking its total number of fatalities to 63,499. "What's happening in South Africa is happening is many countries that still have low vaccination rates," virologist Tulio de Oliveira told the news briefing. Only a tiny fraction have been of South Africa's 59 million people have been vaccinated. Also read | South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa "We have reached 5.6 percent of the population, obviously way too little to reach herd immunity," said Nicholas Crisp, the health ministry's deputy director-general. After a faltering start to its immunisation programme, the government is targeting 250,000 jabs daily. It has recently approved the China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, which join the Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson formulas in the national vaccine arsenal.

Johannesburg mayor dies from Covid as South Africa extends vaccine age

According to new prison regulations set due to COVID-19, Zuma would be isolated from other prisoners for 14 days. He will also not be allowed to have visitors because of the pandemic.

Former South Africa's President Jacob Zuma starts serving his prison sentence

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, turned himself in to police to begin 15 months in jail for contempt of court. The court sentenced Zuma to 15 months in prison for defying an order in February to give evidence at an inquiry examining corruption during the nine years that he was president.

South Africa: Former President Jacob Zuma hands himself over to police

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has been admitted to start serving a 15 month sentence at Estcourt Correctional Centre, KwaZulu-Natal.&nbsp;

"Zuma will be taken through all the admission processes as per DCS regulations. Other relevant prescripts pertaining to admitting and orientating newly incarcerated persons will also be followed and executed, "the statement read.&nbsp;

It said that the details about the appropriate classification, prerogatives and incarceration conditions can only be determined at the completion of the assessment process to be undertaken by relevant authorities within the employ of DCS.&nbsp;

"Keeping inmates in a safe and secure custody remains cardinal to Correctional Services and we remain committed to this cause," the statement said.&nbsp;

The sentence handed to Zuma by the Constitutional Court last week for snubbing anti-graft investigators also set a benchmark for the continent, by jailing a former head of state for refusing to respond to a corruption probe.

Police had earlier on Wednesday warned they were prepared to arrest Zuma by a midnight deadline to enforce the ruling, unless the top court instructed otherwise.

But in the end the former leader decided to make his own way to prison.

Just minutes before the deadline expired, his foundation tweeted that Zuma had "decided to comply with the incarceration order" and hand himself to a correctional facility.

A convoy of cars believed to be carrying Zuma drove out of his homestead at high speed about 40 minutes before the cut-off time.

Zuma's daughter Dudu Zuma-Sambudla tweeted that he was "still in high spirits" and that "he said that he hopes they still have his same overalls from Robben Island... We salute dad!"

Corruption scandals

Zuma had mounted a last-ditch legal defence and refused to turn himself in.&nbsp;

He had pleaded with the court for an 11th-hour reprieve, requesting that it suspend its arrest orders until all legal processes were finalised -- under the ruling, police were given three days to arrest him if he failed to surrender.

Zuma's first application to halt his arrest was heard on Tuesday but the judgement was reserved until Friday.

Separately, he has pleaded with the Constitutional Court to reconsider and rescind its jail order.&nbsp;

That challenge will be heard next Monday.

Zuma, 79, was forced out of office in 2018 and replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa after a nine-year tenure stained by corruption scandals and the taint of cronyism.

Critics nicknamed him the "Teflon president" for his perceived ability to sidestep justice.

But his fortunes changed on June 29 when the court issued its damning judgement against him for contempt.

Zuma had refused to obey a court order to appear before a commission probing the siphoning-off of state assets under his presidency.

Clout

Prison officials said Zuma checked into the prison, renovated in 2019, some 200 kilometres away from his Nkandla homestead at around 1am (2300 GMT).

At the weekend he defiantly declared he was prepared to go prison, even though "sending me to jail during the height of a pandemic, at my age, is the same as sentencing me to death."

That was after he had told his supporters that there would be chaos if police "dared" arrest him.

Despite his tarnished reputation, the former president carries substantial weight among officials and grassroots members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

The former herdboy was the ANC's intelligence chief during the armed struggle against apartheid and spent 10 years in jail on notorious Robben Island.

Despite its internal tensions and divisions, the ANC said it would not interfere with the judiciary processes enveloping Zuma.

Zuma has also been accused of involvement in a bribery affair dating back more than 20 years.

He faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand, then the equivalent of nearly $5 billion. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has been admitted to start serving a 15 month sentence at Estcourt Correctional Centre, KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has been admitted to start serving a 15 month sentence at Estcourt Correctional Centre, KwaZulu-Natal. "Zuma will be taken through all the admission processes as per DCS regulations. Other relevant prescripts pertaining to admitting and orientating newly incarcerated persons will also be followed and executed, "the statement read. It said that the details about the appropriate classification, prerogatives and incarceration conditions can only be determined at the completion of the assessment process to be undertaken by relevant authorities within the employ of DCS. "Keeping inmates in a safe and secure custody remains cardinal to Correctional Services and we remain committed to this cause," the statement said. The sentence handed to Zuma by the Constitutional Court last week for snubbing anti-graft investigators also set a benchmark for the continent, by jailing a former head of state for refusing to respond to a corruption probe. Police had earlier on Wednesday warned they were prepared to arrest Zuma by a midnight deadline to enforce the ruling, unless the top court instructed otherwise. But in the end the former leader decided to make his own way to prison. Just minutes before the deadline expired, his foundation tweeted that Zuma had "decided to comply with the incarceration order" and hand himself to a correctional facility. A convoy of cars believed to be carrying Zuma drove out of his homestead at high speed about 40 minutes before the cut-off time. Zuma's daughter Dudu Zuma-Sambudla tweeted that he was "still in high spirits" and that "he said that he hopes they still have his same overalls from Robben Island... We salute dad!" Corruption scandals Zuma had mounted a last-ditch legal defence and refused to turn himself in. He had pleaded with the court for an 11th-hour reprieve, requesting that it suspend its arrest orders until all legal processes were finalised -- under the ruling, police were given three days to arrest him if he failed to surrender. Zuma's first application to halt his arrest was heard on Tuesday but the judgement was reserved until Friday. Separately, he has pleaded with the Constitutional Court to reconsider and rescind its jail order. That challenge will be heard next Monday. Zuma, 79, was forced out of office in 2018 and replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa after a nine-year tenure stained by corruption scandals and the taint of cronyism. Critics nicknamed him the "Teflon president" for his perceived ability to sidestep justice. But his fortunes changed on June 29 when the court issued its damning judgement against him for contempt. Zuma had refused to obey a court order to appear before a commission probing the siphoning-off of state assets under his presidency. Clout Prison officials said Zuma checked into the prison, renovated in 2019, some 200 kilometres away from his Nkandla homestead at around 1am (2300 GMT). At the weekend he defiantly declared he was prepared to go prison, even though "sending me to jail during the height of a pandemic, at my age, is the same as sentencing me to death." That was after he had told his supporters that there would be chaos if police "dared" arrest him. Despite his tarnished reputation, the former president carries substantial weight among officials and grassroots members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The former herdboy was the ANC's intelligence chief during the armed struggle against apartheid and spent 10 years in jail on notorious Robben Island. Despite its internal tensions and divisions, the ANC said it would not interfere with the judiciary processes enveloping Zuma. Zuma has also been accused of involvement in a bribery affair dating back more than 20 years. He faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand, then the equivalent of nearly $5 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's ex-president Jacob Zuma starts serving jail term for contempt of court 

As a response to the reemergence of measles, which surged during the Covid restrictions, Kenya has resumed its measles vaccination programme on&nbsp;priority.&nbsp;

In 22 of Kenya's 47 counties where outbreaks are highest, a 10-day campaign is underway for four million children aged nine months to five years. The aim is to protect them against highly contagious measles and rubella.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-shadow-of-ebola-and-covid-19-measles-rips-through-congo-288051">In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo</a>

According to the health ministry, measles is the third most common vaccine-preventable cause of death among children. In 2020, less than half of the children in the East African country had received their second dose of the vaccine, while 85 per cent had received the first dose.

A total of 16,061 health workers will be involved in the exercise.

Efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the state of vaccination in Kenya revealed a major increase in unvaccinated children. A record number of unvaccinated children, a cumulative group of more than 2.1 million susceptible children, and the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a> contributed to breakouts, noted&nbsp;the ministry.

WHO recommends that at least 95 per cent of the combined coverage of MCV1 and MCV2 vaccines is required to prevent outbreaks. However, since 2013, the number of first doses being administered across sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated at 69 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246324">Global measles cases three times higher than last year: WHO</a>

The WHO reports that in 2019, only seven countries had reached 95 per cent vaccination coverage against measles.

According to WHO estimates, 16.6 million children in Africa did not receive supplementary vaccination against measles from January 2020 to April 2021.

During efforts to contain the Covid outbreak, the WHO reported tens of thousands of cases of measles in eight African countries in April.

The most effective means of keeping these children safe is the vaccine, says UNICEF representative Maniza Zaman in Kenya. Zaman also&nbsp;added that unless the virus circulation is stopped, children under five are at a greater risk of dying from complications related to measles.&nbsp;

In 2020, only 11 countries met their targets for measles surveillance, according to the WHO.

The number of global measles cases more than quadrupled in the last 23 years. From 132,490 cases in 2016 to 869,770 cases in 2019 a steep increase can be seen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 207,500 deaths were reported, nearly doubling mortality rates.

As a response to the reemergence of measles, which surged during the Covid restrictions, Kenya has resumed its measles vaccination programme on priority. In 22 of Kenya's 47 counties where outbreaks are highest, a 10-day campaign is underway for four million children aged nine months to five years.

As a response to the reemergence of measles, which surged during the Covid restrictions, Kenya has resumed its measles vaccination programme on priority. In 22 of Kenya's 47 counties where outbreaks are highest, a 10-day campaign is underway for four million children aged nine months to five years. The aim is to protect them against highly contagious measles and rubella. Also read | In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo According to the health ministry, measles is the third most common vaccine-preventable cause of death among children. In 2020, less than half of the children in the East African country had received their second dose of the vaccine, while 85 per cent had received the first dose. A total of 16,061 health workers will be involved in the exercise. Efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the state of vaccination in Kenya revealed a major increase in unvaccinated children. A record number of unvaccinated children, a cumulative group of more than 2.1 million susceptible children, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic contributed to breakouts, noted the ministry. WHO recommends that at least 95 per cent of the combined coverage of MCV1 and MCV2 vaccines is required to prevent outbreaks. However, since 2013, the number of first doses being administered across sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated at 69 per cent. Also read | Global measles cases three times higher than last year: WHO The WHO reports that in 2019, only seven countries had reached 95 per cent vaccination coverage against measles. According to WHO estimates, 16.6 million children in Africa did not receive supplementary vaccination against measles from January 2020 to April 2021. During efforts to contain the Covid outbreak, the WHO reported tens of thousands of cases of measles in eight African countries in April. The most effective means of keeping these children safe is the vaccine, says UNICEF representative Maniza Zaman in Kenya. Zaman also added that unless the virus circulation is stopped, children under five are at a greater risk of dying from complications related to measles. In 2020, only 11 countries met their targets for measles surveillance, according to the WHO. The number of global measles cases more than quadrupled in the last 23 years. From 132,490 cases in 2016 to 869,770 cases in 2019 a steep increase can be seen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 207,500 deaths were reported, nearly doubling mortality rates.

Kenya resumes Measles vaccination programme amid Covid crisis

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start 12-month jail term for contempt. He refused to surrender by court-set deadline.

"No need for me to go to jail today," he told journalists at his Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, where hundreds of his supporters are camped outside in solidarity.

"They cannot accept papers and expect me to show up in prison," he added, referring to his legal bid to challenge the sentence.

Jacob Zuma (79) told his supporters earlier that his &nbsp;"constitutional rights were abused" by judges of the country's constitutional court.

He was sentenced to the jail term for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to give evidence to corruption investigators.

His supporters have vowed to render South Africa ungovernable if he is jailed.&nbsp;

After sentencing Zuma, the South African court nonetheless agreed to hear his challenge to rescind the order.&nbsp; 
The deadline to surrender himself to the authorities was set to run out on Sunday.

In a show of force, loyalists clad in their African National Congress (ANC) regalia have been outside their embattled leader's Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province for weeks.

Supporters defiant

"When I saw the police here I wondered how will they get to me, how will they get through all these people," Zuma said earlier as he continued to mock South African authorities.

"If (Police Minister) Bheki Cele comes here to arrest uBaba (Zuma) he must start with us," supporter Lindokuhle Maphalala told AFP.&nbsp;

Vowing to protect Zuma, the protesters called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down.&nbsp;

"We are here to say Ramaphosa must step down. Must step down", a visibly angry loyalist said. "As from Monday we will make the country ungovernable."&nbsp;

Police, under orders to arrest Zuma if necessary, were stationed across the province on Sunday to control the crowds descending on Nkandla.

If Zuma fails to turn himself in, police will be given a further three days to arrest him.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start 12-month jail term for contempt. He refused to surrender by court-set deadline.

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start 12-month jail term for contempt. He refused to surrender by court-set deadline. "No need for me to go to jail today," he told journalists at his Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, where hundreds of his supporters are camped outside in solidarity. "They cannot accept papers and expect me to show up in prison," he added, referring to his legal bid to challenge the sentence. Jacob Zuma (79) told his supporters earlier that his "constitutional rights were abused" by judges of the country's constitutional court. He was sentenced to the jail term for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to give evidence to corruption investigators. His supporters have vowed to render South Africa ungovernable if he is jailed. After sentencing Zuma, the South African court nonetheless agreed to hear his challenge to rescind the order. The deadline to surrender himself to the authorities was set to run out on Sunday. In a show of force, loyalists clad in their African National Congress (ANC) regalia have been outside their embattled leader's Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province for weeks. Supporters defiant "When I saw the police here I wondered how will they get to me, how will they get through all these people," Zuma said earlier as he continued to mock South African authorities. "If (Police Minister) Bheki Cele comes here to arrest uBaba (Zuma) he must start with us," supporter Lindokuhle Maphalala told AFP. Vowing to protect Zuma, the protesters called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down. "We are here to say Ramaphosa must step down. Must step down", a visibly angry loyalist said. "As from Monday we will make the country ungovernable." Police, under orders to arrest Zuma if necessary, were stationed across the province on Sunday to control the crowds descending on Nkandla. If Zuma fails to turn himself in, police will be given a further three days to arrest him. (With inputs from agencies)

Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma refuses to surrender

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start a 12-month jail term for contempt. Zuma refused to surrender by the court-set deadline.

Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma refuses surrender to police by deadline

Interpol has issued red notices for the Gupta family and a few others, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate.&nbsp;

"Efforts to bring the Guptas have intensified. Interpol has issued red notices against Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali; Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti; Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd; Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd," Advocate Hermione Cronje said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-npa-seizes-gupta-brothers-property-389494" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-npa-seizes-gupta-brothers-property-389494&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi498i-6MvxAhUbyzgGHa_wB5oQFjAAegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw24Jwrc1RulE1CWqMuCBkHU" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-npa-seizes-gupta-brothers-property-389494&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi498i-6MvxAhUbyzgGHa_wB5oQFjAAegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw24Jwrc1RulE1CWqMuCBkHU" target="_blank">South Africa: NPA seizes&nbsp;Gupta&nbsp;Brothers' property</a>

The case is related to alleged procurement fraud involving R24.9 million, paid between November 2011 to Nulane Investment 204, a company owned and controlled by Iqbal Sharma. From there, the funds were allegedly diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family.

The R24 mn was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship &nbsp;Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuma-no-honest-person-can-accuse-me-of-being-an-enemy-of-rule-of-law-395875" hreflang="en">Zuma:&nbsp;No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of rule of law&nbsp;</a>

Nulane Investments however had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras diary as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede.

The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering.

Interpol has issued red notices for the Gupta family and a few others, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate. "Efforts to bring the Guptas have intensified.

Interpol has issued red notices for the Gupta family and a few others, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate. "Efforts to bring the Guptas have intensified. Interpol has issued red notices against Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali; Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti; Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd; Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd," Advocate Hermione Cronje said. Also read | South Africa: NPA seizes Gupta Brothers' property The case is related to alleged procurement fraud involving R24.9 million, paid between November 2011 to Nulane Investment 204, a company owned and controlled by Iqbal Sharma. From there, the funds were allegedly diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family. The R24 mn was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work. Also read | Zuma: No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of rule of law Nulane Investments however had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras diary as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede. The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering.

Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Gupta brothers and others

Former president Jacob Zuma addressed countrymen&nbsp;on Sunday evening from his Nkandla home on matters related to the Constitutional Court judgment against him.&nbsp;

“No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of the rule of law, consistent with this point, I am pursuing peaceful and constitutional methods to deal with this situation by approaching the courts, again," Zuma said adding, “All I am asking is fairness and consistency.”&nbsp;

The former President said he is not asking for sympathy but justice.&nbsp;

Zuma&nbsp;added, “I acknowledge and appreciate the Constitutional Court for its recent announcement where it indicated on the 12th of July,&nbsp;it will give me audience.”&nbsp;

Last week,&nbsp;the apex court sentenced Zuma to 15-month imprisonment after he was found guilty of contempt of court for failing to appear before the Zondo Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, Zuma and his legal team filed an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision and take into account his unstable health and Constitutional Court agreed to hear Zuma’s rescission application.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The former President was&nbsp;supposed&nbsp;to&nbsp;hand himself over to the police on Sunday before midnight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his address&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday evening, the former President reiterated, "Contrary to the mainstream narrative and propaganda against me, I've never refused not to appear before the State Capture Commission." He said if Zondo had recused himself and allowed Zuma's submission to&nbsp;'be made to somebody neutral'&nbsp;the nation would have heard Zuma's version on&nbsp;'all the unsubstantiated allegations against me’.&nbsp;

“My age and health condition and any other mitigating circumstances were not considered when the imprisonment was decided,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Even murderers, serial killers, bank&nbsp;robbers&nbsp;and child molesters are granted an opportunity to give mitigation after conviction but before sentencing. In my case,&nbsp;a strange procedure was adopted by asking me for mitigation before I was found guilty of any crime,” he said,&nbsp;in his address.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Sending me to jail during the height of a pandemic at my age is the same as sentencing me to death," Zuma said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zuma's legal team is expected to argue in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday that his sentence must be stayed pending the outcome of his rescission application.&nbsp;

Former president Jacob Zuma addressed countrymen on Sunday evening from his Nkandla home on matters related to the Constitutional Court judgment against him. “No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of the rule of law, consistent with this point, I am pursuing peaceful and constitutional methods to deal with this situation by approaching the courts, again," Zuma said adding, “All I am asking is fairness and consistency.

Former president Jacob Zuma addressed countrymen on Sunday evening from his Nkandla home on matters related to the Constitutional Court judgment against him. “No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of the rule of law, consistent with this point, I am pursuing peaceful and constitutional methods to deal with this situation by approaching the courts, again," Zuma said adding, “All I am asking is fairness and consistency.” The former President said he is not asking for sympathy but justice. Zuma added, “I acknowledge and appreciate the Constitutional Court for its recent announcement where it indicated on the 12th of July, it will give me audience.” Last week, the apex court sentenced Zuma to 15-month imprisonment after he was found guilty of contempt of court for failing to appear before the Zondo Commission. On Friday, Zuma and his legal team filed an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision and take into account his unstable health and Constitutional Court agreed to hear Zuma’s rescission application. The former President was supposed to hand himself over to the police on Sunday before midnight. In his address on Sunday evening, the former President reiterated, "Contrary to the mainstream narrative and propaganda against me, I've never refused not to appear before the State Capture Commission." He said if Zondo had recused himself and allowed Zuma's submission to 'be made to somebody neutral' the nation would have heard Zuma's version on 'all the unsubstantiated allegations against me’. “My age and health condition and any other mitigating circumstances were not considered when the imprisonment was decided,” he said. “Even murderers, serial killers, bank robbers and child molesters are granted an opportunity to give mitigation after conviction but before sentencing. In my case, a strange procedure was adopted by asking me for mitigation before I was found guilty of any crime,” he said, in his address. "Sending me to jail during the height of a pandemic at my age is the same as sentencing me to death," Zuma said. Zuma's legal team is expected to argue in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday that his sentence must be stayed pending the outcome of his rescission application.

Zuma: No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of rule of law 

The Constitutional Court has agreed to hear former President Jacob Zuma's rescission application which means Zuma will no longer be going to prison on Sunday.

South Africa's top court to hear Jacob Zuma's plea again

The Constitutional Court has agreed to hear former President Jacob Zuma's rescission application which means Zuma will no longer be going to prison on Sunday.&nbsp;

The apex court has agreed that the matter will be heard on July 12.&nbsp;

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment after he was found guilty of contempt of court for failing to appear before the Zondo Commission on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-jacob-zuma-files-urgent-application-in-constitutional-court-395453" hreflang="en">South Africa: Jacob Zuma files urgent application in Constitutional Court</a>

After the apex court made its judgment, the following day, the Jacob Zuma foundation released a strong-worded statement denouncing Judge Kampepe's judgment as "judicially emotional and angry and not consistent" with the constitution.&nbsp;

It also stated that Zuma "has never believed he is above the law or the constitution and he has always insisted that he must be treated like every other citizen, and his rights to equal protection of the laws must be respected and protected."

On Friday, Zuma and his legal team filed an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision and take into account his unstable health.&nbsp;

The former president was supposed to hand himself over to the police on Sunday.

The Constitutional Court has agreed to hear former President Jacob Zuma's rescission application which means Zuma will no longer be going to prison on Sunday. The apex court has agreed that the matter will be heard on July 12.

The Constitutional Court has agreed to hear former President Jacob Zuma's rescission application which means Zuma will no longer be going to prison on Sunday. The apex court has agreed that the matter will be heard on July 12. Zuma was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment after he was found guilty of contempt of court for failing to appear before the Zondo Commission on Tuesday. Also read | South Africa: Jacob Zuma files urgent application in Constitutional Court After the apex court made its judgment, the following day, the Jacob Zuma foundation released a strong-worded statement denouncing Judge Kampepe's judgment as "judicially emotional and angry and not consistent" with the constitution. It also stated that Zuma "has never believed he is above the law or the constitution and he has always insisted that he must be treated like every other citizen, and his rights to equal protection of the laws must be respected and protected." On Friday, Zuma and his legal team filed an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision and take into account his unstable health. The former president was supposed to hand himself over to the police on Sunday.

Court in South Africa to hear Zuma's challenge to jail term

South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population.

The rampant rise in infections in&nbsp;Africa's most industrialised nation has stretched health services to breaking point, with hospitals out of beds and medics to man them, and forced the government to impose partial lockdown restrictions.

South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;has recorded over 2 million cases and 61,500 deaths so far during the pandemic, the data from the Department of Health showed, while 3.3 million people have been vaccinated -- about 5% of the population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-92-people-crashes-40-rescued-17-dead-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead</a>

The low vaccination rate has resulted from a mixture of bad luck and bureaucratic failures. The government had to destroy 2 million contaminated Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine doses earlier this year, while efforts to replace them have run up against global supply bottlenecks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised what he called global "vaccine apartheid," with rich countries with plentiful vaccine supplies hoarding them while poorer countries wait.

To tackle this problem,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;on Saturday approved China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19, as growing evidence emerges of its effectiveness.

South Africa hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population.

South Africa hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population. The rampant rise in infections in Africa's most industrialised nation has stretched health services to breaking point, with hospitals out of beds and medics to man them, and forced the government to impose partial lockdown restrictions. South Africa has recorded over 2 million cases and 61,500 deaths so far during the pandemic, the data from the Department of Health showed, while 3.3 million people have been vaccinated -- about 5% of the population. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead The low vaccination rate has resulted from a mixture of bad luck and bureaucratic failures. The government had to destroy 2 million contaminated Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses earlier this year, while efforts to replace them have run up against global supply bottlenecks. President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised what he called global "vaccine apartheid," with rich countries with plentiful vaccine supplies hoarding them while poorer countries wait. To tackle this problem, South Africa on Saturday approved China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19, as growing evidence emerges of its effectiveness.

South Africa hits a new record with 26,000 daily COVID-19 cases

In the next two days, South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been ordered to hand himself to the police to start his 15 months jail time. However, in a last-ditch effort to stay out of jail, Zuma has made an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision to send him to prison.&nbsp;

In an affidavit filed to the Concourt on Friday, Zuma said the country's highest court should re-examine its ruling and take into account his unstable health.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacob-zumas-foundation-condemns-emotional-angry-south-african-court-for-his-jail-sentence-395080" hreflang="en">Jacob Zuma's foundation condemns 'emotional, angry' South African court for his jail sentence</a>

It has been reported that Zuma's legal team has also indicated to the state that the former president will urgently seek to stay the implementation of the order for his arrest and committal in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court found that Zuma was in contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months in prison.

The court had ruled that Zuma had five days to report to either the Johannesburg Central police station or the Nkandla police station. If Zuma does not comply, the court has instructed the police minister and the national police commissioner to lawfully ensure that he is taken into custody within three days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-ramaphosa-announces-economic-recovery-plan-390643" hreflang="en">South Africa: Ramaphosa announces economic recovery plan</a>

On Friday, the Constitutional Court confirmed that the former president would serve his sentence at Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal. Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe signed a warrant of committal for former Zuma&nbsp;on June 30.

The Zuma foundation on Friday tweeted that "President Zuma will definitely address the nation this weekend."

Since the apex court ruling, Zuma supporters, mainly Mkhonto We Sizwe military veterans have vowed to protect the former President. In its media briefing on Friday, MKMVA Spokesperson warmed of Zuma is arrested there will be unrest in the country. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the ANC National Executive Committee, which was scheduled to meet this weekend, has been postponed.

"In arriving at this decision the national officials were mindful of the situation developing in KwaZulu-Natal and the need for ANC to give clear and principled leadership to ensure the maintenance of the rule of law and to avoid any violence, injury, or loss of life," the statement from the party read.

In the next two days, South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been ordered to hand himself to the police to start his 15 months jail time. However, in a last-ditch effort to stay out of jail, Zuma has made an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision to send him to prison.

In the next two days, South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been ordered to hand himself to the police to start his 15 months jail time. However, in a last-ditch effort to stay out of jail, Zuma has made an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision to send him to prison. In an affidavit filed to the Concourt on Friday, Zuma said the country's highest court should re-examine its ruling and take into account his unstable health. Also read | Jacob Zuma's foundation condemns 'emotional, angry' South African court for his jail sentence It has been reported that Zuma's legal team has also indicated to the state that the former president will urgently seek to stay the implementation of the order for his arrest and committal in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg. On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court found that Zuma was in contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months in prison. The court had ruled that Zuma had five days to report to either the Johannesburg Central police station or the Nkandla police station. If Zuma does not comply, the court has instructed the police minister and the national police commissioner to lawfully ensure that he is taken into custody within three days. Also read | South Africa: Ramaphosa announces economic recovery plan On Friday, the Constitutional Court confirmed that the former president would serve his sentence at Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal. Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe signed a warrant of committal for former Zuma on June 30. The Zuma foundation on Friday tweeted that "President Zuma will definitely address the nation this weekend." Since the apex court ruling, Zuma supporters, mainly Mkhonto We Sizwe military veterans have vowed to protect the former President. In its media briefing on Friday, MKMVA Spokesperson warmed of Zuma is arrested there will be unrest in the country. Meanwhile, the ANC National Executive Committee, which was scheduled to meet this weekend, has been postponed. "In arriving at this decision the national officials were mindful of the situation developing in KwaZulu-Natal and the need for ANC to give clear and principled leadership to ensure the maintenance of the rule of law and to avoid any violence, injury, or loss of life," the statement from the party read.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma files urgent application in Constitutional Court

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma, who was ordered to hand himself to the police to start his 15 months jail time, has made an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision to send him to prison.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma's last ditch bid to evade prison

A&nbsp;proposal, which is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, has sparked&nbsp;intense debate in South Africa.&nbsp;This is&nbsp;just one of several proposals in a wide-ranging document.&nbsp;

According to a CNN report, the proposal, which looks&nbsp;to allow polyandry, has been included in a green paper from South Africa's Department of Home Affairs.&nbsp;

It&nbsp;hopes to make marriages more inclusive even as polygamy, where men marry multiple wives, is legal in the country.&nbsp;

The paper says,&nbsp;"South Africa inherited a marriage regime that was based on the Calvinist Christian and Western traditions.&nbsp;The current marriage laws are not informed by an overarching policy that is based on constitutional values and the understanding of modern society dynamics.”&nbsp;

It also states&nbsp;the current law allows the marriage of minors and does not account for couples, who seek to&nbsp;change their sex and want to remain married without going through a divorce, among other flaws.&nbsp;

With the aim to&nbsp;make marriage policy stronger, the department has also&nbsp;consulted with traditional leaders, human rights activists and other groups on important&nbsp;issues.&nbsp;

As per the&nbsp;human rights activists,&nbsp;equality demands polyandry to be legally&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;as a form of marriage.&nbsp;

In the whole exercise, the need&nbsp;to&nbsp;draw up a 'gender neutral' marriage scheme&nbsp;has come to the fore.&nbsp;

As per the&nbsp;suggestion,&nbsp;South Africa could do away with&nbsp;categorising&nbsp;marriages along lines of race, religion,&nbsp;sexual orientation and culture.&nbsp;

These suggestions&nbsp;seem&nbsp;to have not gone down well with&nbsp;some people in the country.&nbsp;"The thinking is foreign,"&nbsp;Musa&nbsp;Mseleku, a reality TV star, who has four wives,&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

Until June 30,&nbsp;the South African government is consulting on the paper and have invited comments on all the proposals involved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A proposal, which is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, has sparked intense debate in South Africa. This is just one of several proposals in a wide-ranging document.

A proposal, which is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, has sparked intense debate in South Africa. This is just one of several proposals in a wide-ranging document. According to a CNN report, the proposal, which looks to allow polyandry, has been included in a green paper from South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. It hopes to make marriages more inclusive even as polygamy, where men marry multiple wives, is legal in the country. The paper says, "South Africa inherited a marriage regime that was based on the Calvinist Christian and Western traditions. The current marriage laws are not informed by an overarching policy that is based on constitutional values and the understanding of modern society dynamics.” It also states the current law allows the marriage of minors and does not account for couples, who seek to change their sex and want to remain married without going through a divorce, among other flaws. With the aim to make marriage policy stronger, the department has also consulted with traditional leaders, human rights activists and other groups on important issues. As per the human rights activists, equality demands polyandry to be legally recognised as a form of marriage. In the whole exercise, the need to draw up a 'gender neutral' marriage scheme has come to the fore. As per the suggestion, South Africa could do away with categorising marriages along lines of race, religion, sexual orientation and culture. These suggestions seem to have not gone down well with some people in the country. "The thinking is foreign," Musa Mseleku, a reality TV star, who has four wives, said. Until June 30, the South African government is consulting on the paper and have invited comments on all the proposals involved. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa may let women have multiple husbands. Debate ensues on polyandry

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former President, a man of many controversies, and proud polygamist has been sentenced to 15 months in jail. The judgment is being called historic. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Jacob Zuma sentenced to 15 months in jail

The Constitutional Court of South Africa found former president Jacob Zuma guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months imprisonment for defying a court order to appear before an inquiry probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption during his tenure from 2009 to 2018.

Jacob Zuma found guilty of contempt of court, hands him 15-month sentence

The country is experiencing a massive surge in infections, President Cyril Ramaphose said as he announced the new wideranging lockdown during a nationwide address on Sunday.

COVID-19: South Africa enters strict lockdown to battle delta variant

South Africa has moved to an adjusted level 4 lockdown from Monday amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.

"We are concerned about the rapid spread of the Delta variant and it is extremely serious," President Cyril Ramaphosa said while addressing the country late on Sunday.

"Based on scientific advice and various consultations, the cabinet has decided the country should move to an adjusted level 4 lockdown. Additional restrictions are necessary for the next 14 days. After this we will assess the impact of these restrictions," he said.

Ramaphosa emphasised that the country is in the grip of a destructive wave."We don't know how long this wave will last, but it appears to be longer than the first wave (15 weeks) and the second wave (9 weeks)," he said.

Here are the guidelines for the adjusted level 4 lockdown:

<ul>
	<li>All gatherings, indoor and outdoor, will not be permitted.</li>
	<li>Non-essential establishments will have to close at 8 pm.</li>
	<li>All schools, private and public to close by Friday.</li>
	<li>Funerals permit only 50 people.</li>
	<li>Travelling in and out of Gauteng province for leisure purposes is banned.</li>
	<li>The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.</li>
	<li>Curfew from 9 pm-4 am.</li>
	<li>Wearing a mask is compulsory.</li>
	<li>All employers should allow their employees to work from home unless necessary.</li>
	<li>Restaurants and other eateries may only serve food for takeaways or delivery.</li>
</ul>

As of Sunday, 15,036 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to around 1.92 million. Total deaths have been reported at 59,900.

South Africa has moved to an adjusted level 4 lockdown from Monday amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. "We are concerned about the rapid spread of the Delta variant and it is extremely serious," President Cyril Ramaphosa said while addressing the country late on Sunday.

South Africa has moved to an adjusted level 4 lockdown from Monday amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. "We are concerned about the rapid spread of the Delta variant and it is extremely serious," President Cyril Ramaphosa said while addressing the country late on Sunday. "Based on scientific advice and various consultations, the cabinet has decided the country should move to an adjusted level 4 lockdown. Additional restrictions are necessary for the next 14 days. After this we will assess the impact of these restrictions," he said. Ramaphosa emphasised that the country is in the grip of a destructive wave."We don't know how long this wave will last, but it appears to be longer than the first wave (15 weeks) and the second wave (9 weeks)," he said. Here are the guidelines for the adjusted level 4 lockdown: All gatherings, indoor and outdoor, will not be permitted. Non-essential establishments will have to close at 8 pm. All schools, private and public to close by Friday. Funerals permit only 50 people. Travelling in and out of Gauteng province for leisure purposes is banned. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Curfew from 9 pm-4 am. Wearing a mask is compulsory. All employers should allow their employees to work from home unless necessary. Restaurants and other eateries may only serve food for takeaways or delivery. As of Sunday, 15,036 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to around 1.92 million. Total deaths have been reported at 59,900.

South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa

The highly contagious&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;is&nbsp;driving&nbsp;a surge in&nbsp;South&nbsp;African&nbsp;Covid-19 infections that is testing the capacity of hospitals and forcing authorities to mull tighter restrictions, the government and scientists said on Saturday.

The hardest-hit country in&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;recorded 18,762 new infections on Saturday -- its highest daily figure since January -- taking the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 1,895,905, of which 59,621 have been fatal.

The country is in the thick of its&nbsp;third&nbsp;wave.

"We are in the exponential phase of the pandemic with the numbers just growing very, very, extremely fast and (they) will keep growing in the next weeks," Tulio de Oliveira, a top virologist in the country said.

The&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;first seen in India now appears to be "dominating infections in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa," de Oliveira of the Network for Genomic Surveillance in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;told a virtual briefing.

Koleka Mlisana, the head of a government ministerial advisory committee on&nbsp;Covid-19, told the same briefing that there is "evidence that the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;may actually be taking over".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-authority-deploys-forces-during-protest-against-critics-death-394199">Also Read |&nbsp;Palestinian Authority deploys forces during protest against critic's death</a>

To curb the spread,&nbsp;South&nbsp;African needs to "go to hard, tighter restrictions... and that needs to be done urgently," said Mlisana.

Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said due to the prevalence of the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant, the numbers of infections "are likely to surpass the second&nbsp;wave&nbsp;peak" in January.

Hospitals in the densely populated province of Gauteng -- encompassing Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the nation's economic and industrial heartland -- are "struggling severely", Mlisana said.

The province accounts for around 60 percent of national infections.

Medics are now starting to transport patients to other provinces where there is still room in hospitals.

"We remain very worried about the rise in hospitalisation, which is putting a lot of strain on the healthcare system in the country," said the minister.

The country's vaccination drive has been slow and only around 2.4 million people have been immunised since February.

On Friday, thousands of opposition activists rallied in Pretoria to demand a faster coronavirus vaccination rollout.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to broaden lockdown restrictions during an address to the nation scheduled for Sunday.

Health officials across the world have been alarmed by the rapid spread of the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant.

The World Health Organization said on Friday that the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;had reached at least 85 countries.

The highly contagious Delta variant is driving a surge in South African Covid-19 infections that is testing the capacity of hospitals and forcing authorities to mull tighter restrictions, the government and scientists said on Saturday.

The highly contagious Delta variant is driving a surge in South African Covid-19 infections that is testing the capacity of hospitals and forcing authorities to mull tighter restrictions, the government and scientists said on Saturday. The hardest-hit country in Africa recorded 18,762 new infections on Saturday -- its highest daily figure since January -- taking the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 1,895,905, of which 59,621 have been fatal. The country is in the thick of its third wave. "We are in the exponential phase of the pandemic with the numbers just growing very, very, extremely fast and (they) will keep growing in the next weeks," Tulio de Oliveira, a top virologist in the country said. The Delta variant first seen in India now appears to be "dominating infections in South Africa," de Oliveira of the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa told a virtual briefing. Koleka Mlisana, the head of a government ministerial advisory committee on Covid-19, told the same briefing that there is "evidence that the Delta variant may actually be taking over". Also Read | Palestinian Authority deploys forces during protest against critic's death To curb the spread, South African needs to "go to hard, tighter restrictions... and that needs to be done urgently," said Mlisana. Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said due to the prevalence of the Delta variant, the numbers of infections "are likely to surpass the second wave peak" in January. Hospitals in the densely populated province of Gauteng -- encompassing Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the nation's economic and industrial heartland -- are "struggling severely", Mlisana said. The province accounts for around 60 percent of national infections. Medics are now starting to transport patients to other provinces where there is still room in hospitals. "We remain very worried about the rise in hospitalisation, which is putting a lot of strain on the healthcare system in the country," said the minister. The country's vaccination drive has been slow and only around 2.4 million people have been immunised since February. On Friday, thousands of opposition activists rallied in Pretoria to demand a faster coronavirus vaccination rollout. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to broaden lockdown restrictions during an address to the nation scheduled for Sunday. Health officials across the world have been alarmed by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. The World Health Organization said on Friday that the Delta variant had reached at least 85 countries.

Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa

Test cricket, or cricket, by and large, can be characterized from various perspectives like versatility, assurance, persistence, and so on in any case, to be depicted as wonderful it should be at its imperious best, and trust me, it was at its imperious best when Dale Steyn stood the beginning of his run-up.&nbsp;

It's anything but an occasion was going to occur; cataclysmic in the event that you were a batsman yet happy on the off chance that you adored the immaculateness of the art of quick bowling. Dale 'Gun'&nbsp;Steyn didn't simply bowl fast, he adorned and improved the craft of fast bowling.

Significance as per me doesn't rely upon stats; rather, it relies upon the effect a player had on the game or the effect a player had on a specific part of the actual game. What's more, no other player affects the specialty of fast bowling in the 21st century like Dale Steyn.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-t20-world-cup-set-to-begin-on-october-17-in-the-uae-reports-394064" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup set to begin on October 17 in the UAE: Reports</a>

There was incredible cricketing sentimentalism in watching Dale Steyn take a gander at the red cherry and tenderly hold it at the finger-end of his right hand, keeping up that hole between the palm and the ball for the swing and seam position. He was cut from an alternate material. He was notably better than the rest. He was the just one of his age who could swing at pace; genuine speed.&nbsp;

Bowling 150kph in the first session of a Test match is a standard, however, bowling it for the duration of the day? That takes some energy, and Dale Steyn had that. He in&nbsp;a real sense threatened the batsmen, and it didn't make any difference on the off chance that they were acceptable or incredible.

Dale Steyn's bowling was maybe most appropriate to Test cricket. He has been able to swing the ball the two different ways, and that too at express speed. His deadly out-pleasure seekers and his celebrations were a wellspring of delight for fans from one side of the planet to the other.&nbsp;He is the solitary bowler to have a five-wicket pull against each of the nine Test-playing countries. Dale Steyn completed as the main wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests with 439 wickets from 93 Test matches.&nbsp;

<h2>10 wickets against Australia in 2008&nbsp;</h2>

This must be positioned among the best exhibitions ever by a fast bowler in Test cricket. Dale Steyn was rapidly acquiring a major standing in the cricketing scene and later came to his greatest test against Australia in 2008. The Aussies had lost the first Test at Perth however Dale Steyn didn't do much in that match. In the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, however, Dale Steyn demonstrated his courage by asserting 10 wickets across the two innings.&nbsp;

In the first innings, DaleSteyn started procedures by dismissing out the hotshot Michael Hussey for a duck, as Michael Hussey edged behind.&nbsp;

In the subsequent innings, Dale Steyn eliminated both the openers to obliterate any expectations of an Aussie fightback. What's more, exactly when the Aussies fired setting up some obstruction, Dale Steyn turned the match by and by with a two-wicket over, dismissing the very much set Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds.&nbsp;

South Africa pursued down the objective of 183 runs effortlessly and guaranteed a renowned series win Down Under. Dale Steyn had a match haul of 10 for 154.&nbsp;

<h2>7/51 against India in 2010&nbsp;</h2>

Dale Steyn was a bowler for all conditions. In addition to the fact that he tormented batsmen in Australia, England, and South Africa, he was similarly compelling in the sub-mainland too. He was especially threatening in India, alarming the Indian batsmen with his reverse swing.&nbsp;

In the first Test of the two-match series against India at Nagpur in 2010, Dale Steyn unleashed devastation. He initially set up Murali Vijay, who bore arms to an in-swinger just to hear the stumps clatter. Close to go was India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who was left hoodwinked by a late out-swinger which he could just edge behind to the wicketkeeper.&nbsp;

He in the long run got done with figures of 7/51, which were noteworthy for a quick bowler in the sub-continent.&nbsp;

Watching Dale Steyn bowl was a pleasure; it was delightful and rich, despite the fact that it was additionally deadly. Watching him approaching the wrinkle to convey thunderclaps were however energizing and thrilling as it very well might be to hop off a precipice. It was anything but an incredible sight.&nbsp;

Test cricket, or cricket, by and large, can be characterized from various perspectives like versatility, assurance, persistence, and so on in any case, to be depicted as wonderful it should be at its imperious best, and trust me, it was at its imperious best when Dale Steyn stood the beginning of his run-up.

Test cricket, or cricket, by and large, can be characterized from various perspectives like versatility, assurance, persistence, and so on in any case, to be depicted as wonderful it should be at its imperious best, and trust me, it was at its imperious best when Dale Steyn stood the beginning of his run-up. It's anything but an occasion was going to occur; cataclysmic in the event that you were a batsman yet happy on the off chance that you adored the immaculateness of the art of quick bowling. Dale 'Gun' Steyn didn't simply bowl fast, he adorned and improved the craft of fast bowling. Significance as per me doesn't rely upon stats; rather, it relies upon the effect a player had on the game or the effect a player had on a specific part of the actual game. What's more, no other player affects the specialty of fast bowling in the 21st century like Dale Steyn. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup set to begin on October 17 in the UAE: Reports There was incredible cricketing sentimentalism in watching Dale Steyn take a gander at the red cherry and tenderly hold it at the finger-end of his right hand, keeping up that hole between the palm and the ball for the swing and seam position. He was cut from an alternate material. He was notably better than the rest. He was the just one of his age who could swing at pace; genuine speed. Bowling 150kph in the first session of a Test match is a standard, however, bowling it for the duration of the day? That takes some energy, and Dale Steyn had that. He in a real sense threatened the batsmen, and it didn't make any difference on the off chance that they were acceptable or incredible. Dale Steyn's bowling was maybe most appropriate to Test cricket. He has been able to swing the ball the two different ways, and that too at express speed. His deadly out-pleasure seekers and his celebrations were a wellspring of delight for fans from one side of the planet to the other. He is the solitary bowler to have a five-wicket pull against each of the nine Test-playing countries. Dale Steyn completed as the main wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests with 439 wickets from 93 Test matches. 10 wickets against Australia in 2008 This must be positioned among the best exhibitions ever by a fast bowler in Test cricket. Dale Steyn was rapidly acquiring a major standing in the cricketing scene and later came to his greatest test against Australia in 2008. The Aussies had lost the first Test at Perth however Dale Steyn didn't do much in that match. In the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, however, Dale Steyn demonstrated his courage by asserting 10 wickets across the two innings. In the first innings, DaleSteyn started procedures by dismissing out the hotshot Michael Hussey for a duck, as Michael Hussey edged behind. In the subsequent innings, Dale Steyn eliminated both the openers to obliterate any expectations of an Aussie fightback. What's more, exactly when the Aussies fired setting up some obstruction, Dale Steyn turned the match by and by with a two-wicket over, dismissing the very much set Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds. South Africa pursued down the objective of 183 runs effortlessly and guaranteed a renowned series win Down Under. Dale Steyn had a match haul of 10 for 154. 7/51 against India in 2010 Dale Steyn was a bowler for all conditions. In addition to the fact that he tormented batsmen in Australia, England, and South Africa, he was similarly compelling in the sub-mainland too. He was especially threatening in India, alarming the Indian batsmen with his reverse swing. In the first Test of the two-match series against India at Nagpur in 2010, Dale Steyn unleashed devastation. He initially set up Murali Vijay, who bore arms to an in-swinger just to hear the stumps clatter. Close to go was India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who was left hoodwinked by a late out-swinger which he could just edge behind to the wicketkeeper. He in the long run got done with figures of 7/51, which were noteworthy for a quick bowler in the sub-continent. Watching Dale Steyn bowl was a pleasure; it was delightful and rich, despite the fact that it was additionally deadly. Watching him approaching the wrinkle to convey thunderclaps were however energizing and thrilling as it very well might be to hop off a precipice. It was anything but an incredible sight.

Dale Steyn: One of the greatest fast bowlers to have played Test cricket

As South African authorities failed to vaccinate the majority of the population, thousands of opposition activists rallied in Pretoria to demand faster coronavirus vaccination rollout in the continent's worst-hit country.

South Africa to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination

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