Zuma: Don't use funerals to fight political battles
President Jacob Zuma had strong words for his political opponents at the unveiling ceremony of a tombstone for the late Public Service and Administration minister Collins Chabane in Limpopo.
Zuma has come under fire at various funeral and memorial services for the late struggle hero Ahmed Kathrada, following his decision to axe former finance minister Pravin Gordhan. The president has now called for the establishment of a new culture within the ANC, one where members do not use funerals to attack one another.
"Don't use the comrades who have died as a platform to perpetuate disunity," said Zuma.
Various political figures, including Gordhan and former president Kgalema Motlanthe, have spoken out against recent political developments.
Zuma thanked those in attendance for not using Chabane's name to advance their own political agendas.
"You can't use a comrade when he can no longer talk for himself.
"To use him, how much he adhered or she adhered to the principles and values of the ANC, unlike today where there is no leadership," Zuma said in a sarcastic tone.
He branded it as terrible and dangerous politics.
The late minister's brother Percy Chabane opened the ceremony by reaffirming the family's support for the president.
He described yesterday's countrywide protests against President Zuma as "an attack on the poor".
"Stay strong president, we are behind you, we are behind the African National Congress and therefore we are behind the people of South Africa," he told Zuma.
More protests are in the pipeline, including an opposition march to the Union Buildings on President Zuma's birthday.