Ramaphosa cops flak for Zuma years
Maimane says President part of the problem
DA leader Mmusi Maimane says President Cyril Ramaphosa should not absolve himself from the role he played in government under former president Jacob Zuma. Speaking yesterday during a debate in parliament on the president’s State of the Nation Address last week‚ Maimane said Ramaphosa was there all along while the national debt rose to almost R3-trillion and the economy dipped into recession. Referring to the numerous motions of no confidence in Zuma‚ Maimane told Ramaphosa: “You didn’t arrive on the scene a year ago. Eight times you had the opportunity to save our country from Zuma and eight times you voted to protect Zuma. Your record will always reflect [that you were] 100% behind Zuma‚ a man you described as a ‘very strong president’.
“You were there as our national debt skyrocketed to almost R3-trillion. You were there as we dipped in and out of economic recession.” In reference to revelations at the state capture commission and other similar inquiries‚ Maimane said ANC leaders reaped the benefits of office over the past nine years‚ while ordinary people were shut out as the economy took a plunge. “You speak of nine wasted years to absolve yourself of the integral role you played as second-in-command. But let’s be honest‚ while these might be nine wasted years for South Africa‚ they most certainly were not wasted for the ANC. “These were golden years for the black‚ green and gold. Everyone made money ... even you and your son benefited.” EFF leader Julius Malema said he will not believe Ramaphosa’s commitment to fight corruption until he fires minister Nomvula Mokonyane from the cabinet. “You can’t have people highly implicated‚ Mr President‚ in your cabinet and you come and tell us you are committed to fight corruption‚” he said‚ adding: “Unless you too have benefited from frozen chicken. If you’ve eaten the frozen chicken you will be scared.” Malema was referring to accusations that Mokonyane also received frozen chicken as bribes from corruption accused firm Bosasa.