South Africa: Statement On Ms Haffajee's Remarks

press release

The African National Congress has noted remarks about the State of the Nation Address attributed to City Press Editor, Ferial Haffajee, at the Cape Town Press Club yesterday. In her input she makes a number of assertions, including that the events of the day were a painful moment which demanded action from all of us - a view which we share and are on record having said that what transpired last week in Parliament should never again be seen as the workings of our Parliament.

Ms Haffajee however is reported to have also said that South Africa is turning into a police state and that citizens "must rise up". She has further claimed knowledge of some "growing opposition within the ANC against President Zuma". Nothing could be further from the truth. South Africa is a constitutional democracy underpinned by the rule of law. It's citizens rise continuously through regular elections, civil society formations and many other organs of people's power to participate in, shape and have a say in governance. The ANC remains intact and united around its Programme of Action derived from the Freedom Charter to create a better life for all.

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