Media Statement on Democracy remarks by the President

16 September 2012

It appears that the comments by President Jacob Zuma in the National Assembly, that majority rules in a democracy, has been misconstrued by the Democratic Alliance party to mean the minority has less rights in the country. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

President Zuma wishes to remind those who were concerned by the remarks that South Africa is a constitutional democracy and the rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Constitution. All South Africans are equal, regardless of colour, race or creed.

The President was stating a fundamental democratic principle that while all in society may have views, the will of the majority carries the day.

There is therefore nothing untoward or incorrect in what the President said in his response to a question about trade unions in Marikana during, when answering questions in parliament.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, September 16 2012

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