Minister must distance herself from Cosatu anti-Obama protests

The DA calls on the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, to distance herself and the government from Cosatu's planned anti-Obama demonstrations.

Cosatu has backed the NObama coalition's planned demonstrations against President Barack Obama's visit to South Africa. It called on all "workers, communities and activists, particularly working with our alliance partners the SACP and ANC" to take part in the activities.

This is President Obama's first state visit to South Africa and is a significant event for the country to further our relations with the United States. It should not be blighted by Cosatu's cheap political point scoring.

This move by Cosatu is an embarrassment to South Africa and Minister Nkoana-Mashabane must do the correct thing and distance government from these statements.

Statement issued by Ian Davidson MP, DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, June 21 2013

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