Zuma delayed in Burundi due to aircraft problems
President Jacob Zuma’s return to South Africa after the conclusion of the African Union (AU) delegation’s visit to Burundi – chaired by Zuma – has been delayed due to a “technical problem” on his official aircraft, the presidency said on Saturday.
The delegation, comprising five heads of state, on Friday successfully concluded its deliberations in Burundi where they met President Pierre Nkurunziza, leaders of political parties, and religious and civil society leaders and urged them to work together to find an inclusive political solution to the current crisis in the country.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the presidency said Zuma was unable to leave Burundi “when his aircraft Inkwazi developed technical problems”. No further details were provided.
Therefore, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa would replace Zuma at the 16th Annual National Teaching Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
The awards ceremony was held to honour dedicated, creative, and effective teachers and schools and also to recognise and promote excellence in teaching performance, the presidency said. - ANA