Pretoria – The Presidency says a media report that President Jacob Zuma will no longer attend to his Parliamentary responsibilities is “incorrect and grossly misleading”.
The President continues to meet his parliamentary obligations, said the Presidency in a statement, responding to a report by a Sunday newspaper.
“The President responds to oral questions four times a year in the National Assembly. During an election year, this time is naturally reduced given the time taken to prepare for elections and to establish a new government and other activities.
“However, discussions are on-going with the National Assembly to sort out the dates for oral questions,” explained the Presidency.
President Zuma continues to respond to questions for written reply from members of Parliament. The Presidency said a perusal of parliamentary records or the Presidency website would indicate this.
The President also decided during the last term to also answer oral questions in the National Council of Provinces. Discussions are taking place with the NCOP to sort out the programme.
The President will also meet his obligation to deliver the annual address to the NCOP on 6 November 2014.
The Presidency added that in the Presidency Budget Vote in July this year the President outlined that he would host several working group sessions with business, persons with disability, the youth, women, the higher education sector, the mining sector and others.
“Some of the groups have met already, others are being constituted at the technical level and most of the meetings will take place next year. The Presidential Business Working Group will meet on the 24th of October in Pretoria,” said the Presidency.
Further to this, the President is continuing with his Siyahlola programme of hands-on monitoring visits, whereby he visits provinces to ascertain service delivery.
The President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers also continue with community engagement through izimbizo and other community visits.
However, direct community engagement of this nature does not replace Parliamentary work.
“It should also be emphasised that the President is not a Member of Parliament which is why he does not attend the plenary sessions of the National Assembly.
“He, however, goes to the House when invited and also to perform tasks such as responding to questions or to deliver the State of the Nation Address or any other special address.” – SAnews.gov.za
