Why Zuma’s staying out of Gordhan case

If he were to interfere, it would be ‘close to banana republic’

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma said South Africa ran the risk of becoming a banana republic if he were to interfere in the prosecution of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan on fraud charges, he said inthe National Council of Provinces yesterday.

The president took part in a question and answer session in the NCOP yesterday and said, as president, he could not interfere in court processes.

“No individual is given a right… to interfere with independent processes and decisions of independent institutions,” said Zuma.

“I think if this president was to interfere in any matter, either of chapter nine institutions or other institutions, then it would be close to a banana republic.”

Gordhan is due to deliver his medium term budget speech in the National Assembly today.

It will be a closely-watched speech globally, with a visit by world ratings agencies looming for the country next month and their findings being issued in December.

Zuma said yesterday the government respected credit rating agencies, but their opinions did not have an impact on agreements and commissions entered into with other countries.

Zuma said the government approached economic and fiscal policy prudently, always seeking to ensure there was macro-economic stability and that public finances were sustainable.

South Africa has also agreed to the establishment of a new rating agency as part of the Brics bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

Zuma said Brics countries had decided to create their own ratings agency and felt necessary to do so partly because of the manner in which rating agencies were handling the ratings of Brics members.

State-owned enterprises were also among the questions posed, and Zuma expressed confidence in the new board of national carrier SAA, under the leadership of Dudu Myeni.

“The appointment of the board, including the chair, is for the interests of the country, nothing more,” Zuma replied when asked by a DA MP whether he was advancing the interests of his “friend” Myeni over that of the country. – ANA

Rachel Ndayi, 32: The president can’t take Parliament out of Cape Town. Parliament brings tourism.

Tasneem Isaacs, 20: Why would the president want to move it? We need Parliament in Cape Town.

Luvo Qutywa, 22: Is he insane? Why would you want to move it when it has always been here?

Yulanda Marron, 48: They need to move Zuma and replace him with someone who has vision.

Riette Fourie, 55: I have no worries about it. It does not matter where the country is being run from.

Yoran Adams, 39: It’s already rubber-stamped. But what are they going to do with the building?