Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Durban High Court where former President Jacob Zuma appeared today on a slew of corruption charges.

Many of Mr Zuma’s supporters are from his home province of KwaZulu-Natal which is where the case is being heard.

Addressing supporters in isiZulu after the case was postponed to 27 July, he said, “If the case must happen, I am not afraid to face it”.

A number of high-profile leaders stood alongside him on the podium erected outside the court, including the former North West Province Premier Supra Mahumapelo who resigned in May - following pressure from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) - amidst corruption allegations.

But Mr Zuma’s supporters have been described as a band of the walking wounded after the forced removal of Mr Zuma by the ANC in February.

Today’s show of support has fuelled speculation of a split in the ANC ahead of upcoming general elections, something the new president Cyril Ramaphosa will be keen to avoid.