President Jacob Zuma has apologised to the South African public for the confusion and frustration caused by the drawn out controversy over public funds being used to upgrade his private home.
The leadership of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has commended Zuma humbling himself to the people and unanimously backed his continued leadership of the party and country.
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President Jacob Zuma’s used an extraordinary address to the nation to defended himself after a seismic court judgment slamming his initial rebuff to the Public Protector ordering him to repay public funds used
for non-security improvements to his private residence.
In what what was widely speculated to be his resignation speech, Zuma admitted his conduct was inconsistent
with the constitution.
(Take in Jacob clip here )
Secretary General of the ruling African National Congress Gwede Mantashe has welcomed Zuma’s apology.
(Take in Gwede clip here)
Mantashe says the party will no tear itself apart by bowing to the chorus of calls for Zuma to step down.
Leading these is opposition Democratic Alliance, whose leader Mmusi Maimani says Zuma’s deliberately trying to mislead the public.
(Take in Mai clip here)
Political analysts say the municipal elections due next month will be a good indicator of whether Zuma has become a liability for the ANC and whether he will survive until the party’s elective conference at the end of next year.