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Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza
Adele du Toit
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has hinted that ANC members may
help President Jacob Zuma pay for the upgrades on his Nkandla homestead.
Mabuza was speaking after a meeting of Mpumalanga ANC structures
today at which they decided to rally in support of Zuma. The meeting came after
mounting calls for Zuma to step down following the Constitutional Court ruling
about Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s remedial actions regarding
Nkandla.
All the Mpumalanga structures joined the ANC Youth League in its
unconditional acceptance of Zuma’s apology.
The youth league announced its stance on the matter yesterday
afternoon, and today the provincial executive committee, three regional
executive committees, the ANC Women’s League and the uMkhonto weSizwe Veterans’
Association followed suit.
“What must be paid will be paid. The treasury will determine how
much the president must pay back. If he doesn’t have the money he might request
ANC members to pay,” Mabuza said.
Mabuza said the regions would convey the message to the branches.
“We’ll convene [regional and branch meetings] to clarify this
matter so that the message reaches the ground as soon as possible. We’re not
defending the president because we’re saying [no] wrong has been done, hence we
say we accept his apology,” he added.
The youth league said the outrage regarding the Constitutional
Court’s ruling came from groups advocating for “regime change”.
Youth league deputy president, Desmond Moela, said: “We’re under
siege from capitalists in Stellenbosch and the opposition and unions used by
imperialists. Religious leaders must stay clear of this matter.”
Moela said that South African Communist Party secretary-general
Blade Nzimande should raise issues about the Guptas’ alleged state capture in
the national executive, of which he was a member.
At the memorial for the late SACP leader Chris Hani in Boksburg on
Sunday, Nzimande said that the alliance had to meet to discuss the Guptas’
influence on the government.
