President only looks after himself - Maimane

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Mmusi Maimane, has lashed out at President Jacob Zuma for failing to denounce the Department of Defence and Military Veterans’ intended purchase of a brand-new R4-billion Presidential jet.

Speaking in a statement after the party’s question on the matter was rejected during Zuma’s last questions and answers session in Parliament on Thursday, Maimane said the President’s ongoing laughter while responding to questions, showed he only has “his own interests at heart”.

Related: ZUMA’S FINAL PARLI Q&A IN DETAIL (WATCH VIDEO)

“These actions echo President Zuma’s statement earlier this week about the primacy of the ANC. It is patently clear that his own priorities come before those of ordinary South Africans,” Maimane said in reference to Zuma’s comments at the African National Congress’ (ANC) provincial elective conference in KwaZulu-Natal last week, that the interest of the ruling party comes first.

“There is simply no justification for the purchase of a luxury aircraft for President Zuma while South Africa is facing a drought that may require us to import over R3-billion in grain, and higher education remains crossly underfunded”.

Taking a swipe at National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, Maimane said her preventing Zuma of answering the question, shows her bias towards the ruling party.

“When pressed for an answer, the Speaker shielded the President and allowed him to evade accountability in the usual fashion,” he said.

“This is another example of how the Speaker’s pro-ANC bias has compromised the integrity of the House. And further illustrates how the ANC places protecting the President from criticism above the legitimacy of our democracy”.

Zuma is only expected to appear Parliament in February next year to deliver his State of the Nation Address.

Related: 

ZUMA’S FINAL PARLI Q&A IN DETAIL (WATCH VIDEO)