'Mbeki attack on Zuma is baseless'

THE Presidency has dismissed reports that President Jacob Zuma and his government are soft on corruption as "baseless and mischievous".

"Allegations that the president or government are soft on corruption are baseless and mischievous," spokesperson Mac Maharaj said yesterday.

"The president has directed the special investigating unit to investigate a number of government departments, municipalities and state-owned enterprises, which is an indication of zero tolerance against corruption.

"Several other state agencies are also focusing on rooting out this scourge," Maharaj said.

He also rejected suggestions that Zuma was unwilling to act on Public Protector Thuli Madonsela report on police leases - which has fingered both police commissioner General Bheki Cele and Public Works Minister Gwen Mahlangu- Nkabinde.

"He cannot deal with such a report in a haphazard or ad-hoc manner. He will make his decisions or actions known once he has concluded the process."

Maharaj also lashed at political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki saying his comments revealed "deep-rooted bitterness".

At the Cape Town Press Club on Tuesday, Mbeki reportedly said Zuma did not have the will or the ability to steer South Africa out of its economic and political difficulties, and that the ANC was not the "future for us".

"The ANC is losing its voters. . Even (ANC Youth League president Julius) Malema pointed out that Zuma is losing votes for the ANC."