President Zuma prevented from fulfilling his constitutional mandate

19 Jun 2015

The Presidency is disappointed with the developments that took place in the National Assembly yesterday, 18 June 2015, where President Jacob Zuma was yet again prevented from fulfilling his constitutional mandate to report to the public through the National Assembly.

President Zuma presented himself for his quarterly oral reply session in the National Assembly. It is regrettable that yet again, some members of the National Assembly made it impossible for the President to respond to questions.

The Presidency rejects the statement made by some opposition leaders that that the President undermines the constitution and evades accountability. President Zuma has always honoured his Parliamentary obligations to appear before the house.

The President has to respond to oral questions four times a year in the National Assembly and once in the National Council of Provinces. He presented himself yesterday, 18 June and the session was disrupted by some MPs. The same disruption occurred on August 21. The President responded to oral replies in the NCOP on 14 May 2015. His next oral reply session in the National Assembly is in August 2015. 

The President remains committed to appearing in the National Assembly to respond to questions. 

Statement issued by Harold Maloka, The Presidency, June 19 2015