Presidency corrects misleading report

04 August 2013

The Presidency has noted the incorrect and misleading story in City Press newspaper, purportedly on who President Jacob Zuma listens to, which may be based on lack of knowledge and understanding of how the President works and how the Presidency functions (see here).

The decision making and advisory centre in government for the President is his Cabinet. Ministers advise the President and Deputy President of the Republic on their portfolios and also make policy relating to these portfolios.

The President calls on Ministers for advice on issues and they are his primary advisors on issues of governance.

Staff and advisors in the Presidency provide backroom administrative and technical support to the President in the execution of his constitutional responsibilities including the implementation of decisions taken in Cabinet and other structures of government.

The President also convenes the President's Coordinating Council which brings together the Deputy President, Ministers, Premiers and the SA Local Government Association. This is a primary interface with provincial and local government which enables coordination of the work of the three spheres and the exchange of ideas.

For political advice, the President, as President of the ruling party, the ANC, relies on ANC structures, namely, the National Executive Committee, National Working Committee and also the ANC Officials (Deputy President, National Chairperson, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Treasurer-General).

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, August 5 2013

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