Zuma wives a non-issue

THE Eastern Cape ANC leadership avoided the contentious debate over state support for President Jacob Zuma’s four wives in a move that will avert a showdown between pro and anti-Zuma groupings.

Reports this week claimed that a commission at the ANC provincial general council (PGC), comprised mainly of youth league and anti-Zuma ANC members, proposed that the state support only one of Zuma’s wives.

However, the ANC in the province was quick to deny these reports, which could have put it at loggerheads with Zuma backers.

The issue of Zuma’s wives has been a political hot potato since he took office in 2009. Zuma has four wives and has married six times. There have been concerns about a bloated staff compliment in his office as drivers increased from 19 to 31 since former president Thabo Mbeki left office in 2008.

There were more complaints when Zuma married his fourth wife Bongi Ngema in April this year. Insiders say Zuma allegedly ignored advice from some of his comrades who tried to persuade him not to marry.

This week’s news prompted the presidency to issue a response, saying it provided only “administrative ” support to Zuma’s wives, which includes support staff, travel costs and accommodation.

Those who oppose Zuma’s second term bid have used his growing number of wives as a lobbying tool to oust him. However, the ANC in the Eastern Cape distanced itself from this proposal.

ANC provincial chairman Phumulo Masualle told reporters on Friday that the matter was never adopted by any commission at the PGC.

“I was taken aback when I read ... that in Eastern Cape there is a resolution,” Masualle said.

“We actually found that one member had expressed this view. He did not enjoy support in that commission. In fact, it was not part of what comes out of that commission as anything to deal with...

“We ’ re interested to know how it got to the media because the commissions were closed sessions.”

He added that the provincial executive committee, which compiled policy positions that came out of the PGC did not even discuss the matter as it did not merit discussion.

Masualle’s version of events was echoed by an anti-Zuma regional leader, who confirmed that the issue was not discussed at the special PEC meeting.

“We have won most of the positions. So the issue about the wives doesn’t matter (because) it’s not that important. What matters is what we say in terms of other policy positions

– nationalisation and the second transition. We have won the battle there,” said the regional leader, who could not be identified as he is not the party’s spokesperson.

Two weeks ago parliament’s standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) refused to authorise a R28m unauthorised expenditure incurred by the presidency in the 2010/2011 financial year.

The money was spent on legal fees, communication material, advertising and additional staff. Scopa’s refusal means the Presidency budget for the next financial year will be R28m short.