Zuma shuts down Tlokwe

President Jacob Zuma has commandeered the Tlokwe municipal buildings and a nearby hotel in an attempt to resolve conflict between warring local factions of the ANC.

Councillors unexpectedly were told to clear the parking lot of all vehicles this morning for Mr Zuma's arrival.

Police threatened a DA councillor with arrest if this was not done so immediately as Mr Zuma's business was "in the national interest".

All access to a nearby hotel has been restricted so that Mr Zuma can conduct individual interviews with each ANC Tlokwe councillor.

The media and the public are also being restricted from taking photos outside the hotel.

The street in front of the municipality has been blocked off by police.

This heavy-handed approach by a state president who is there on party political business is an abuse of office.

The DA has made major strides in improving governance in Tlokwe in the short time that we've been in office.

Clearly the ANC is threatened by this and now the big-guns are brought in to solve local factional issues.

Statement issued by Juanita Terblanche, DA MP for Potchefstroom, February 11 2013

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