Why is Premier Zikalala at Zuma’s side at PMB Court?
17 May 2021
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes with concern the appearance of provincial Premier Sihle Zikalala at the Pietermaritzburg High Court today as the Arms Deal trial involving Jacob Zuma resumes.
In particular, we note the Premier’s comment to the media, that he is there to support the disgraced former President.
While it is clear that the ANC political circus has once again returned to town, it is the pledge of support from Premier Zikalala – for an individual who has shown contempt for due process and the Constitution of South Africa - that the DA regards as most alarming. A constitutional delinquent who has also squandered millions of Rands of taxpayers’ money on futile attempts to avoid his day in court.
During his State of the Province Address – just a few short months ago - the Premier indicated that the Provincial Executive Lekgotla had identified as the fight against corruption and the building of a capable ethical state as two of its priorities.
Yet today, he is sitting in Court defending the architect of corruption in our country. This is proof – yet again – that the Premier talks right and walks left and that his tired rhetoric on corruption is all about slogans and electioneering as he places his Comrades above clean governance.
The money looted during the Covid-19 pandemic was a clear signal that KZN is facing a corruption crisis and that its ANC leadership do not place the interests of the people ahead of the ANC.
Clearly the ANC cannot and will not change its ways and will never build an ethical and capable state in KZN. Instead, it has become a party of power, not the people.
Voters in KZN will have the power and the opportunity to change this at the ballot box on the 27th October 2021. It is time for change, real change. Only the DA will bring about that hope and that change.
Issued by Francois Rodgers, Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature, 17 May 2021
