Sandile Mkhabela, 66, pensioner, Zuurbekom

“I feel that the judgment was fantastic, especially because there might not have been much faith in Justice Mogoeng as he is also a Zuma appointee. I just think it was a fantastic moment to have a black judge deliver such an important judgment concerning the running of this country. I personally think the judgment was spot-on. The only option left for him is, unfortunately, to resign and also he will be doing himself and the whole nation a huge service if he resigns. The problem here is that we are not looking at challenges that the country faces in the ordinary course of political life but big problems that the president has shamefully, personally presented and proceeded to undermine Chapter Nine institutions. He must resign, there is still time to do so.”

James Hyde, 27, unemployed, Carletonville

“I’m stunned by this verdict of the Constitutional Court. I’m really stunned but hope that the judgment means our land will be better. I like president Zuma. Things have been better since he became president but if the people are fed up with him and want him to resign, I think he should listen. If he does not want to resign, give him a nudge in the right direction and let him stay. However, like I said, I do not want him to resign, I want him to carry on as president. He has been the best president so far. Much as Nkandla is his own personal home, which means he is directly responsible, I still don’t think that he should be blamed for everything else that goes wrong in this country.”

Wendy Mthethwa, 17, student, Lawley

“I always thought the story of the spending on the president’s home was false until the court judgment last week. How could the president of the country allow so much spending on upgrades to his home when we share desks and textbooks at school and live in shacks? Mr Zuma has stumbled for most of his reign and has failed to inspire inclusive policies that empower the youth of this country. I thank the court. I don’t trust the ANC any more. They failed to act against the president and defended him on numerous occasions. I love the ANC and want it to float as Zuma sinks but the way they go about defending him, it seems he will sink with the organisation. Many are saying the president must resign – I agree.”

Nkosinathi Xhayimpi, 35, unemployed, Soweto

“The court has tossed him an egg in the face. Why did he deny it in the first place when he knew well he was on the wrong? What was he even owning up to the other day because he always knew he was wrong but couldn’t bring himself to admit and apologise. He acted as if Chapter Nine institutions meant nothing to him, which was shocking. Thanks to the Constitutional Court, now Zuma must step down and give other leaders a chance to change this country’s office and what better offence to justify this for a sitting president than to break his oath of office and betray the Constitution and the nation. I wish there was a way to also punish the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete. She betrayed the country in a big way and constantly abused her position. I’m satisfied with the court’s judgment. The president must for once let the country come first and resign.”

Xolani Mahashe, 38, self-employed, Soweto

“All I can say is that the first two presidents this country had were great presidents. Both the late president Mandela and Thabo Mbeki really cared for the people of this country. Zuma does not care. The Constitutional Court rubber-stamped the scandalous suspicions that have gripped his reign. I cannot forget how pathetic I thought it was for a leader of his stature to publicly suggest that having a shower after sex cleanses disease. That was not on. He has hardly ever been the president to lead South Africa in the current period. The court comforted us last week of all the cruelty of this regime and sent all of us to a beautiful sleep. The most reasonable next step is for the president to resign but he has decided to admit his guilt first. Resign, sir, and spare us more grief.”

Baby Gumbi, 65, pensioner, Soweto

“I thank the court for that groundbreaking judgment but the lot of them are not to be trusted. Zuma never wants to visit black pensioners, but he goes to see coloured pensioners. We as Chiawelo, Soweto pensioners gave Gwede Mantashe a memorandum of our electricity grievances to give to Zuma. They said they would respond after three days but never did. As a result of the electricity challenges you cannot believe that I was locked up at Sun City prison at my age. The president must resign and give somebody else a chance, somebody who might be able to treat South Africans with respect and respect the Constitution.”

Thando Mthimkhulu, 27, retail assistant, Orange Farm

‘I don’t want to lie to you, it’s been scary to see that no one in the ANC or anywhere was prepared to confront the president on the direction in which he was taking this country. I don’t think acknowledging that he has done wrong is enough though. He must implement every recommendation that the judgment permits. Who can forget how they made a mockery of the public protector’s office then. He has caused so much damage to this country. The judgment is out now, everyone knows what’s what, the president needs to vacate his seat, not because we hate him but he has proved he cannot make the country better than it already is. He is past his sell-by date.”

Maggie Mkabi, 50, self-employed, Bushbuckridge

“I’m happy with the way the court has dealt with Nkandla. How could he spend so much money on his home and animals when some of us are kept awake by leaking shacks when it rains? I thank the court for following and applying the law, which is Mr Zuma’s fiercest weakness. I’m happy for Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. She must have endured the most pain. The court has tranquillised her sorrow. It’s too late for him to ask for forgiveness or even acknowledge his sins now. He had that opportunity, which is why now he must face the music. The extravagant spending on his property harmed poor South Africans who are still waiting somewhere for RDP and other services. Zuma must show some respect to the court’s judgment and give way for fresh leadership. He must resign for breaking his oath of office, along with his cabinet conies.” DM

All photos by Bheki C Simelane.