Beleaguered ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma has added more spice to his trademark Mshini Wami song.

Zuma surprised the audience outside court yesterday when he sang the song after his appearance by throwing extra lyrics into the struggle song, saying in Zulu: “Musa ukungibambezela”, literally meaning “Don’t hold me back”.

This was interpreted by some of his supporters in the crowd as Zuma telling the NPA that it is holding him back from preparing for the ANC presidential election race.

Others observed that Zuma is now even more determined and was demonstrating it by moving all over the stage, showing he wants his freedom “now” and with his clenched fist emphasising his determination to unleash his “machine” *1.

“He has heard the argument in court and has sensed this whole court case is just attempts to prevent him from running for the presidency. He senses that victory is just an arm’s length away. He can’t wait for the matter to be thrown out of court,” said 62-year-old Mandla Makhathini, who slept overnight outside the court waiting for Zuma.

Makhathini said Zuma recently stopped in the middle of the song and said, “mina ngelusa”, a remark often made by men who were once herdboys and who want to issue a warning that they should not be under-estimated, and then he continued singing the song.

The extended version of the song thrilled the supporters outside the court, who broke out in screams and whistles of excitement.

With acknowledgements to Sibonelo Msomi and The Witness.