DA: Zuma should apologise to ‘second place’ SA
President Jacob Zuma should be deeply ashamed of his comments on Saturday that he believes the African National Congress comes first, and South Africa second, the Democratic Alliance said.
“This is unbecoming of a president who has sworn an oath to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa,” DA national spokesperson Refiloe Nt’sekhe said on Sunday.
Zuma reportedly told the ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial elective conference on Saturday he believed the ANC came first, ahead of his country.
“I argued one time with someone who said the country comes first and I said as much as I understand that I think my organisation, the ANC, comes first,” he reportedly told delegates at the conference.
“President Zuma should retract – and apologise – for this statement immediately. It is an insult to every single South African, a violation of his oath of office, and cannot be left unchallenged,” Nt’sekhe said.
“It is this kind of sentiment that allows for abuse of power – to the detriment of ordinary citizens – in the name of the ANC. A president of the republic should always act in the best interests of South Africa, by promoting all that will advance the republic, and opposing all that may harm it.
“The DA is proud to be a party that will always put South Africa first. We believe in one nation, with one future, built on the principles of freedom, fairness, and opportunity. This vision means putting South Africa first, always,” Nt’sekhe said.