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The African National Congress is astounded by the extraordinary attack by Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille on the person of President Jacob Zuma reported in today's Sowetan (12 May 2009).

Even by Zille's standards of personal invective, this latest attack is an unprecedented example of Zuma-hate. Zille's outburst is deeply offensive and should be roundly condemned.

It is unfortunate that Zille has not moved beyond the spiteful rhetoric of her election campaign. Despite her concerted attempts to vilify President Zuma, the vast majority of South Africans have chosen him to lead the country.

Instead of answering legitimate criticism about the composition of her provincial cabinet, she has chosen to insult and demonise the President of the Republic of South Africa.

Instead of focusing on the real issues that face South Africans, Zille is obsessed with her personal campaign against Zuma.

It shows that she is increasingly out of touch with the mood of the nation.

The ANC is certain that this does not reflect the official position of the DA, and calls on the party to distance itself from Zille's comments.