April 04, 2017.
For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.
Making headlines:
Calls for Zuma’s resignation increase after South Africa is downgraded to junk status
ANC Women’s League ‘not surprised’ by ratings downgrade
And, Government not impressed with calls for nationwide shutdown
Pressure mounted on President Jacob Zuma to resign yesterday night as political parties laid South Africa’s downgrade to junk status by Standard and Poor’s squarely at his feet.
The country’s biggest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, described the downgrade as a vote of no confidence in Zuma.
In a statement, DA leader Mmusi Maimane said it was a direct result of Zuma firing respected Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle last week.
The African National Congress Women’s League said it “is disappointed, but not surprised by hasty the decision” taken by Standard and Poor’s to downgrade South Africa to “junk status”.
In a statement issued by Meokgo Matuba, the ANC Women’s League secretary general, the league said it had been on record as questioning the objectivity of S&P.
The ANC Women’s League said South Africa “must not be held at ransom” by ratings agencies that are serving a certain political agenda.
Government has objected to calls for a “nationwide shutdown” on Friday, in protest against President Jacob Zuma and corruption.
Government spokesperson Donald Liphoko said the call made could have unexpected consequences especially for the fragile economy, business and communities.
The message going around on social media says every citizen, every city, everyone that cares about our country regardless of their political affiliation should not go to work, or to school or do anything unless they are taking to the streets in protest.
Also making headlines:
Opposition parties on Monday challenged ANC MPs to vote for Zuma to go.
And, DA decides not to march to Luthuli house
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter[@PolityZA]
That’s a roundup of news making headlines today