Mixed reaction to Naomi Campbell's open letter to Jacob Zuma

Naomi Campbell is receiving both praise and criticism after writing an open letter to Jacob Zuma following the recent unrest in South Africa. 

The British supermodel took to Instagram this past weekend to share her views on the riots that took place in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 

The violence broke out after Zuma started serving a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.

Naomi had a few things to say to the former South African president.  

"I have watched how over the last few years you have protested your innocence at the allegations tabled against you of corruption and allowing mass State Capture. I have seen you got out of your way to avoid having to deal with these matters in court and avoid a Commission setup to investigate State Capture," she wrote. 

The 51-year-old says the effects of the unrest will be felt by millions of "hardworking and peaceful South Africans". 

"You have talked of the rule of law and the South African constitution being something that should apply to everyone. Yet you defied the courts and were sentenced 15 months in prison.  Now upon your incarceration, a group of protests under the #FreeZuma banner broke out igniting the worst violence and criminality South Africa has seen since the end of apartheid."

READ: Ntshavheni says unrest death toll now 337

.Naomi urged Zuma to put the nation first. 

"If you still consider yourself a leader then please act and take responsibility like one. Agree to finish your appearance in front of the State Capture commission and equally you will have your days in court to contest the corruption charges alleged against you."

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Many South Africans praised the supermodel addressing the matter. 

"Thank you, Naomi Campbell, for speaking the truth. Former president Jacob Zuma was only interested in avoiding the courts, building a palace for his family and allowing the Gupta family access to state resources through his cabinet. He's the worst president in democratic SA," one Twitter user wrote. 

But not everyone was impressed with Naomi's open letter. Zuma's supporters slammed the model.

Many told her to mind her own business.  

"#NaomiCampbell ntombazan, you need to chill, you have no idea what you talking about. Do some research sometimes before addressing sensitive matters and issues of importance, it will help you," one Twitter user wrote.

Another person added: "Normalize unfollowing people who disrespect President Jacob Zuma."

Zuma's daughter also came to his defence.Jabu Zuma hit back in a "Dear Naomi' letter. Her sister, Duduzile ‘Dudu’ Zuma-Sambudla, shared the letter on Twitter. 

Jabu called Naomi "deluded" for thinking she is qualified to tell her father what he should do. 

"Agree to keep your unsolicited opinions to yourself where you lack knowledge (this is one of those times). This is bigger than you and I, let’s leave it to the adults.”

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Main image courtesy of YouTube/Architectural Digest