×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Confident Zuma dances off criticism at birthday celebration

Despite a tumultuous few weeks‚ President Jacob Zuma rallied his supporters on Wednesday at his 75th birthday celebration‚ showing again why he enjoys such widespread support as he danced and sang‚ to the amusement of the party goers.

The crowd hung on his every word‚ laughing at his jokes‚ yelling‚ “We love you‚” as he spoke of his future in the ruling party and denounced the opposition’s attempts to dislodge him.

“They always criticise. As I speak now‚ if I were to cough or sneeze‚ tomorrow it would make headlines for the opposition. They would call for my removal‚ saying I don’t respect the people‚” Zuma said to the laughter of the crowd.

UPDATE: Mbete postpones motion of no confidence in ZumaMoves to oust Jacob Zuma received a boost on Wednesday evening when National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete finally agreed to postpone a special sitting to debate a motion of no confidence in the President. 

“They just look for reasons to criticise the ruling party‚” he said‚ speaking in IsiZulu.

Lambasting the Economic Freedom Fighters‚ Zuma said they continuously disrupted parliamentary proceedings with “point of orders because they had nothing else to say”.

Zuma also took a shot at parties who go to court to settle political disputes‚ as has happened in a series of cases. In the latest legal battle‚ the United Democratic Movement has approached the Constitutional Court‚ seeking a secret ballot in the upcoming vote of no confidence.

“They fail to argue with us. They take a new route and decide to fight out battles in the courts‚” he said.

“It’s a shame on them… We should pity them‚” he said.

 

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.