Reports that President Zuma will not attend a memorial service for Nelson Mandela at Westminster Abbey in London tomorrow is an affront to the former President’s legacy (see Saturday Star report).
The date of the memorial had been changed specifically so that President Zuma could attend. The President’s decision not to attend is inconsiderate and a diplomatic blunder South Africa cannot afford.
The DA will pose parliamentary questions to the President, demanding an explanation for this diplomatic snub.
Nelson Mandela is believed to be the first non-Briton to be honoured with such an event, a tremendous tribute for our former president and country.
President Zuma instead chose to attend a lavish Mugabe family wedding and electioneer in the Free State this weekend.
Last month when riots erupted over registration weekend in Sebokeng, Gauteng, the President reneged on his promise to visit the province and chose to ‘relax’ at his R200 million home in Nkandla instead.
In addition, the ANC manipulated the parliamentary programme to ensure the President would not have to answer oral questions that would have held him to account for scandals like Nkandlagate, Guptagate and the Spy Tapes in the National Assembly before the elections.
The President’s recent itinerary is a clear indication of his administration’s skewed priorities, sinister practices and deserves serious scrutiny.
The DA will continue to do just that to ensure that Zuma and his ANC are held to account.
Statement issued by Dr Wilmot James MP, Federal Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance, March 2 2014
