President denies any influence in son’s business relationships

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has denied claims that his son Duduzane’s business relationships have benefited due to his influence.

He was responding to questions in the National Assembly yesterday.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane wanted to know if Zuma had instructed or influenced any state department or entity to award contracts to his immediate or extended family. Zuma denied ever having done so. “I wish to make it categorically clear I have never instructed or directed any state institution to give contracts to anyone whatsoever,” Zuma said.

EFF leader Julius Malema and Zuma became embroiled in a shouting match, with Malema daring Zuma to take him to court.

The EFF leader lost his patience after the president failed to directly answer his question as to why he had not taken any legal action against government officials who claimed to have witnessed him give instructions to top civil servants to help Duduzane with business ventures.

“Honourable speaker I don’t know if people are playing politics‚ people say things every day about President Zuma in this country,” Zuma said.

“Should I spend every day taking everybody to court who say a lot of things about me?”

It was at this point that his interaction with Malema degenerated.

“No man‚ ngisakhuluma! [Wait a bit‚ I am still addressing the house]‚” a visibly irritated Zuma said‚ to which Malema shouted: “You can take action against me.”

With a giggle‚ Zuma responded: “I don’t take action against people like yourself generally‚ I don’t.”

But the former ANC Youth League leader was not to be outdone.

“You can’t take action against me because you know we’re telling the truth‚” Malema said.