Dirco asked for Motlanthe award delay

This was because internal and diplomatic consultations had not been completed on time, spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement.

   

"To allege 'withdrawal of the academic honour' is factually incorrect," he said. "This was merely a postponement to allow for proper

consultations. All affected by this postponement were informed."

 

The department was reacting to a news report that Motlanthe was on his way to China to receive the academic honour from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, when it was unexpectedly withdrawn, and that President Jacob Zuma had

been blamed. Motlanthe went to China to attend the Fifth Bi-National Commission.

 

 

His spokesman Thabo Masebe said on Monday he did not know if the deputy president was upset by the decision to cancel his visit to

the university to accept the award.

 

"I don't know if he is upset. He did not tell us. He went to China and everything went well," Masebe said. 

 

"The purpose for the visit was for the deputy president to attend the bi-national commission and the programme for the visit was drawn up by the department of international relations and co-operation, so it was discussed with the deputy president."

 

The department and presidency denied reports that Zuma had a hand in the withdrawal.

 

"The reports are baseless and ridiculous," presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement."Neither the president nor his private office had any knowledge of this honour that was apparently turned down until enquiries came from Media24 or Naspers newspapers."

 

He said Zuma and Motlanthe continued to work well together and shared responsibilities.

 

- Sapa