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The Presidency is alarmed by the statements about President Jacob Zuma made by Mr Richard Calland from the University of Cape Town, which are based on rumours and stereotyping.

Mr Calland is reported to have told the Cape Town Press Club that, among other things, the President "does not read”. The statement is incorrect, unfortunate and misleading. It also serves to perpetuate stereotypes.

Mr Calland has no knowledge of how the President works or how he prepares for meetings or any aspects of his work. It is therefore shocking that Mr Calland has taken gossip and rumours to be fact and has also decided to spread such rumours further.