ANC under fire for backing Zuma at NEC conference

The burning issue of the Gupta family’s links with President Jacob Zuma overshadowed Human Rights Day events in Nelson Mandela Bay yesterday as politicians lashed out at what one described as “an act of treason”.

Speakers from opposition parties used what would normally have been commemorations to remember struggle heroes to lambaste the president, while key guest Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa failed to pitch because of aircraft trouble.

Congress of the People (COPE) president Mosiuoa Lekota was scathing of Zuma, accusing him of committing treason by allowing “foreigners” to influence vital cabinet decisions pertaining to the country.

Spitting fire in Uitenhage, Lekota blasted the ANC for throwing its weight behind Zuma and not taking decisive action against him and forcing him to step down at the weekend’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

And at a separate gathering in Uitenhage, EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu also slammed the ANC leadership for not recalling Zuma, warning the ruling party not to test its patience.

The ANC confirmed its full confidence in Zuma on Sunday following a week of claims that the Gupta family – known friends of Zuma – had offered cabinet positions to party members.

Lekota was speaking on the sidelines of COPE’s Human Rights Day event at Jeff Masemola Hall.

“What’s been going on is an act of treason,” he said.