South Africa
As regional and global thought leaders gather in Durban, South Africa for the World Economic Forum on Africa 2017, South African president Jacob Zuma, was hard-pressed to put on a brave face after recent boos by angry masses during his May day address.
The president said he had no problem with the fact that he was booed as South Africa is a democracy, not a dictatorship.
“Who elected this president? Is it not the masses? And then who represent the masses? It’s not me? I am an African. I was elected by the Africans, what is your problem? Why do you discard the majority, huge majority, that elected the government here.”
He also welcomed the attendance of more than 1000 delegates from about 100 countries present at the forum.
“The fact that there is unprecedented attendance, it indicates that the world is moving with the development. So I am very happy. The call is come to Africa… We are interconnecting Africa, we are developing infrastructure to make business easy to do in Africa. So the message is, come to Africa, that’s where things are happening.”
The 3-day forum which lasts till Friday is being held under the theme, Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership, comes at a time that Africa’s most developed economy is facing turbulent times.
02:08
South Africa: Zuma's prosecution bid against Ramaphosa postponed
01:10
New poll finds support for South Africa's ruling ANC is plunging
00:53
Six arrested in connection with the murder of South African player Luke Fleurs
01:00
South Africa: Former president Jacob Zuma cleared to run in upcoming elections
Go to video
SA: Extreme winds and rainfall wreak havoc across coastal province, killing at least 1
01:10
South Africa: former Speaker of Parliament released on bail