Zuma, CAR mission likely to hog limelight
Wyndham Hartley
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma and Africa will again be in the spotlight in the political week ahead following two weeks of intense scrutiny as a result of SA’s military losses in the Central African Republic (CAR).
SA’s foreign policy and the role played by the military in it have been hotly debated since the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in clashes with Seleka rebels in the CAR.
The rebels have taken the capital of Bangui and ousted President François Bozizé.
Mr Zuma has since ordered that the troops be withdrawn.
Mr Zuma is expected to attend the inauguration of Kenya’s newly elected president, Uhuru Kenyatta, in Nairobi tomorrow. The inauguration is not without controversy as the US and some European countries are sending only ambassadors because of Mr Kenyatta having been indicted in the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of orchestrating the violence after Kenya’s disputed elections in 2007. The policy is to have only essential contact with leaders indicted to appear in the ICC.
On Friday, Mr Zuma will be in Gaborone in Botswana for the summit of the Southern African Customs Union heads of state and government. Member states Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, SA and Swaziland will discuss trade in the region, and the division of customs revenue. The last summit was held in Pretoria and was chaired by Mr Zuma.
The continuing row over recalling Parliament in order to allow a resolution on the deaths of the 13 soldiers in the CAR is likely also to feature in what is a quiet week politically. Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko has called for the National Assembly to be recalled so that a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the soldiers can be considered.
National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu refused the request, which has now become unnecessary since Mr Zuma has announced the withdrawal of the remaining soldiers.
There are no meetings of committees or either of the two houses scheduled, as MPs are enjoying a break over the Easter recess.
With road deaths so high in SA, the continuing carnage on the roads has become increasingly politicised with strong pressure being brought to bear on the government for not doing enough to stop it.
Transport Minister Ben Martins will brief media today on the Easter road safety campaign mounted by his department. According to a statement from his department, Mr Martins would highlight the road safety initiatives undertaken during Easter, and indicate programmes and campaigns that would be implemented throughout the year to reduce the carnage on the country’s roads.
Parliament’s justice committee has also invited all stakeholders and interested persons to make written submissions on the budget of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. These submissions must reach the committee before April 13 and public hearings will follow on April 16.
“The committee will be reviewing the strategic plans and budget of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority, Special Investigating Authority, Public Protector of SA, South African Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid SA,” portfolio committee chairman Luwellyn Landers said.
“The review will take place between April 16 and May 2.”