Zuma briefs envoys on the workings of democracy in post-apartheid South Africa
Amid economic problems and student protests, President Jacob Zuma sought on Tuesday to allay fears by saying that this was part and parcel of democracy. Addressing foreign diplomats at the Heads of Missions Conference in Pretoria, Zuma advised them on how to report on what was happening in South Africa. "When people say, ‘What is happening in SA, why these protests?’, tell them it’s democracy. Why does it look like the ruling party is fighting, that’s democracy. "The critical point is that democracy is moving, advancing. I’m saying this because people get worried and say, ‘Oh, your country is crumbling down’." Zuma was adamant that a democracy would never crumble. The president’s comments came against the background of the National Prosecuting Authority levelling fraud allegations at Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, speculation that another cabinet reshuffle is on the cards, violent student protests and the delay publishing former public protector Thuli Madonsela’s report on state c...
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