Maimane tells Zuma to fall on his sword

3rd November 2016 By: News24Wire

Maimane tells Zuma to fall on his sword

DA leader Mmusi Maimane
Photo by: Duane Daws

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane on Wednesday called on President Jacob Zuma to resign, after the release of the public protector’s “State of Capture” report.

The report was a victory for “the Constitution, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption and state capture by Jacob Zuma and the ANC [African National Congress]”, Maimane said in a statement.

Madonsela recommended that Zuma appoint a judicial commission of inquiry into the influence wielded by the Gupta family.

He said Zuma should do the honourable thing and resign.

“Given the scale of the state capture that is detailed in the report, which he has allowed and indeed fostered, he cannot continue in office. The Zuma presidency has been a blight on South Africa - only his resignation can help repair the damage he has caused,” he said.

Maimane said the report pointed to significant wrongdoing for which Zuma, his son Duduzane, and the Guptas were to blame.

“The manner in which Jacob Zuma has conducted himself is completely dishonourable and unbecoming of the nation’s President. He has actively tried to delay the release of this report, disrespected the Office of the Public Protector, and wasted millions of rands of public money in frivolous litigation,” he said.

If he did not resign, the DA would ask for Parliament to debate another motion of no confidence in him.