Zuma says persuasion limited
In response to a question from the Inkatha Freedom Party, who cites Burundi as an example, Zuma says he tried to dissuade Nkurunziza from seeking a third term but hit a wall when his pleas were ignored.
Many of us interacted to say that might not help the country. We cannot say there was no effort to solve that African problem. I sent an envoy. He said it is not going to cause trouble, he has taken a decision and the constitution is on his side. Once you have reached that stage… when an African leader is not interested, that becomes difficult…No military men can take over as they please. There are a few exceptions. Burundi, where even its own regions could not persuade it … but even there the man is not saying he is going to stay forever… he has argued the point through the constitution and the court has supported him. We can’t force people, we have to talk to them, nudge them.
He says leaders have to respect the sovereignty of other African nations while they try to resolve problems.
It does not mean we will solve all matters at the right time…we are not going to ride roughshod over constitutions.
Releases Marikana report
Almost three years since 34 men were shot dead on a hillside by South African Police, following the death of 10 other people, including police officers and mine security staff, Zuma releases the Marikana Report. the report calls for an investigation into the National Police Commissioner’s fitness to hold office. The commission also recommends that the North West Provincial Commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo, be investigated as well.
I have written to the national commissioner to inform her of the recommendations pertaining to her…The commission recommends a full investigation…with a view to ascertaining criminal liability on the part of all members of the SAPS members who were involved.
The commission largely cleared members of the executive for their role in the shooting, saying Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa did not cause the shooting. Zuma:
The commission found that the executive played no role in the decision of the police to implement the tactical role.
It said the deaths of 10 people, ahead of the massacre should be criminally investigated. The Marikana workers are unhappy about being given such short notice of Zuma’s conference, but do not contest it as they want what they term the truth, to be released.
