Jacob Zuma’s disdain for accountability shows dishonesty at its core THE degree to which President Jacob Zuma complies with parliamentary questions is currently the issue at the heart of intense national debate.The president’s refusal to appear before Parliament to answer oral questions has led to, among other things, a motion for him to be censured, as well as much criticism.In response, one line of argument the Presidency has advocated is that there exists a range of other oversight mechanisms he complies with fully, including replies to written questions.But to what degree is that true? An analysis of the president’s recent reply to one such written question demonstrates his general disdain for accountability, oral or otherwise.When Zuma first announced he would not be attending oral questions until things calmed down, his spokesman, Mac Maharaj, issued a statement (Government: Mac Maharaj says President continues with parliamentary responsibilities) defending the decision. "The...
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