So-called opposition 'boycott' futile & dishonest
5 May 2016
The so-called boycott of today’s sitting of the National Assembly, in which the President replied to debates on his office’s budget vote, is a laughable publicity stunt and a self-contradictory exercise that is driven more by opposition mob psychology than substance.
The irony of the same parties fully participating in the Presidency budget vote session yesterday only to claim today that they do not associate with the same process is not lost on any of us. This can only be the consequence of mob psychology whose actions are neither based on rational thinking nor common sense.
Any gimmick that is driven by typical opposition lies and deceit is an exercise in futility. Lies always have short legs. We wish to repeat these basic and irrefutable facts that no narrow and self-serving opposition propaganda can wish away:
- No judgment of any court of law, including that of the Concourt, has ever found that the President must be removed from office.
- The judgment on the so-called spy tapes case was directed at the NPA, not the President. The President was not on trial.
- The President is not facing any criminal charge; he has not been accused by any Court of any crime.
The opposition gimmick is therefore based on a grossly fallacious comprehension and undermining of both the rule of law and the Constitution, which, ironically, they purport to respect.
Such dishonest and futile actions will never win any party the respect or the hearts of ordinary South Africans. They are desperate electioneering gimmicks which we have no doubt that the great majority of South Africans will see through them for what they truly are.
We commend President Zuma for his eloquent and comprehensive reply to the debate on his office’s budget vote, which demonstrate extensive austerity measures, great progress in bettering the lives of South Africans and progressive plans to move our nation forward.
Issued by Moloto Mothapo on behalf of the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, 5 May 2016
