JZ points out importance of his event
Cyril and Jacob’s show of unity
President Jacob Zuma used Freedom Day celebrations in Manguzi, KwaZulu-Natal, to mock his detractors who were holding parallel celebrations around the country.
Before starting his address, Zuma said all he knew was that his was the main address that was being broadcast live.
“I’m told even in Pretoria they are celebrating this day and elsewhere in the country.
“That the chief of army and his deputy are here goes to show the celebrations are here,” he said.
Zuma and his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa displayed a united front as they shared a light moment on stage.
This was the first public appearance since the two locked horns over the cabinet reshuffle which saw former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and several others fired.
However, the two arrived in two different Oryx helicopters.
Zuma also used the event to unpack the ANC’s radical socioeconomic transformation plan.
His visit also formed part of a follow-up visit to strengthen the fight against cross-border crime in the district.
Zuma unveiled a refurbished local police station that has been equipped with new vehicles and critical senior posts filled, saying that R92-million was injected into the upgrade.
He said the focus was on promoting community action and working with the police and other law enforcement agencies in fighting crime and building safer communities.
Zuma, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs Sihle Zikalala and local inkosi Mabhudu Tembe had strong words to say against the world-renowned heritage site iSimangaliso Wetland Park, saying its existence was working against the aspirations of the locals.
Zuma also called for the end to albino killings.