President Jacob Zuma has moved to calm fears that he is engaged in a “war” with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
The presidency on Friday accused the media and some sections of business of peddling a “toxic narrative” portraying Zuma as fighting against his Minister of Finance and the National Treasury.
“The purpose of the said ‘war’ is apparently that the President wishes to take control of the National Treasury‚” said the presidency in a statement.
“It should be noted that the President controls all government departments including the National Treasury‚ as the head of government‚ and by virtue of the fact he appoints Ministers and they report to him. All government departments also report to the President via their respective Ministers. It is therefore absurd to say that the President would be engaged in a struggle to control a government department that he already controls‚ and also when he actually controls the whole of government.”
Zuma: I'm not at war with Gordhan
The presidency on Friday accused the media and some sections of business of peddling a “toxic narrative” portraying Zuma as fighting against his Minister of Finance and the National Treasury.
“The purpose of the said ‘war’ is apparently that the President wishes to take control of the National Treasury‚” said the presidency in a statement.
“It should be noted that the President controls all government departments including the National Treasury‚ as the head of government‚ and by virtue of the fact he appoints Ministers and they report to him. All government departments also report to the President via their respective Ministers. It is therefore absurd to say that the President would be engaged in a struggle to control a government department that he already controls‚ and also when he actually controls the whole of government.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos