Jacob Zuma's Meeting With Clive Derby-Lewis: A Controversial Connection

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela defended Jacob Zuma amid allegations that he met with Clive Derby-Lewis
Janusz Waluś, the man convicted of murdering Chris Hani, claimed Zuma met with Derby-Lewis, his co-conspirator in the murder
South Africans are left questioning why the former president refuses to clarify why he met with the man who plotted to assassinate Chris Hani

The MK Party insists that Jacob Zuma doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for meeting with Clive Derby-Lewis. Image: Walter Dhladhla/ Per-Anders Pettersson Source: Getty Images

Let me be clear: Jacob Zuma doesn’t need to explain himself to anyone about meeting with Clive Derby-Lewis, one of the men who played a role in the tragic murder of Chris Hani. That’s the official stance from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, and they aren’t backing down.

Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the spokesperson for the MK Party, stepped forward to address the explosive claims surrounding Zuma’s alleged meeting with Derby-Lewis. This meeting, according to Polish immigrant Janusz Waluś—who was convicted of Hani’s murder—happened while Derby-Lewis was still behind bars. Waluś spilled the beans during an interview with eNCA’s Annika Larson, reigniting a debate that many thought was long buried.

Why the MK Party is Standing by Zuma

Waluś’s revelations sent shockwaves through South Africa, bringing up uncomfortable questions about Zuma’s connections to the murder of Chris Hani. Waluś, along with Derby-Lewis, was sentenced for the 1993 assassination of the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) General Secretary. Derby-Lewis passed away in 2016, but Waluś served nearly three decades in prison before being released on parole in 2022.

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During his interview, Waluś remarked on Zuma’s prison visit, saying, “I know that Jacob Zuma visited Clive. I don’t know what he wanted, but he was very positively discussed. It looked like he was going to help us somehow, and I don’t know why, but finally, nothing came out of it.”

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela argues that Zuma has the right to keep certain matters private. Image: Sharon Seretlo Source: Getty Images

Nhlamulo Ndhlela appeared on Newzroom Afrika on January 27 to defend Zuma’s position. According to Ndhlela, the former president owes no one an explanation. He emphasized that some things are better left unsaid, especially when they involve sensitive matters. “The president doesn’t have to explain himself if he doesn’t need to. It could be there are sensitive issues that maybe could lead to other matters that are not required to come out naturally,” Ndhlela noted.

Being a president, Ndhlela explained, isn’t easy. It requires keeping secrets, some of which may never see the light of day. “We can’t just go around asking Zuma about every meeting he’s had, especially when he’s had countless others,” Ndhlela added.

Social Media Reacts to Zuma’s Silence

The South African public hasn’t taken kindly to Zuma’s refusal to comment on the matter. Social media platforms have been buzzing with speculation and accusations. Many citizens are convinced that Zuma’s silence suggests he knows more than he’s letting on.

Carl Fouche Maritz voiced his concerns, saying, “The reason why the ANC keeps handling Zuma with velvet gloves, and he keeps threatening that one day he will talk, is that he was one of the conspirators and there were others. No doubt they are sitting in Parliament as we speak. Back then, the last thing the future incumbent ANC faction wanted was a moral leader in their midst.”

Jack Mthethwa chimed in, stating, “Zuma is a criminal. I’ve been saying it.”

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Lawulentaba Sukwini added, “He has always been a sellout. I’m glad this came out before the 2026 local elections. We will punish him there👍.”

Lulama Ntshephe expressed his disbelief, commenting, “Never seen such arrogance. Something is fishy.”

PJ Kelly joked, “Skeletons rattling in the closet🤣.”

Kelly Mahone demanded answers, stating, “Zuma must not hide. He must explain to the nation why he visited Clive Derby-Lewis. He knows something about Chris Hani’s death.”

Michael Manpisce echoed this sentiment, adding, “Something fishy going on.”

Marie Smit issued a warning, saying, “No Zuma. If you don’t speak up, then you have something to hide.”

Government Announces Inquest Into Chris Hani’s Death

Amid the growing controversy, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the government would reopen an inquest into Chris Hani’s death. This development has raised eyebrows, with many wondering why it’s happening now, more than two decades later.

As Briefly News reported, Mashatile’s statement has sparked curiosity and suspicion. Chris Hani, the beloved leader of the South African Communist Party, was brutally gunned down in 1993 by Janusz Waluś, a Polish national. The murder sent shockwaves through the nation and remains a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history.