South Africa's ruling ANC welcomes Zuma's apology

ANC Secretary General, Gwede Mantashe, has reacted to President Jacob Zuma’s apology on the Nkandla case.

Eyewitness News reports that Mantashe had said the Constitutional Court judgement did not give rise to reaction by opposition parties or calls for the impeachment of the President, Jacob Zuma.

“Our view is that it is nothing new, but rather an over-exaggeration. We are aware of attempts by opposition parties to tell the ANC to tear itself apart. That’s how we understand the call to recall Zuma.”

ANC Secretary General Mantashe reacts during a briefing after SA President #Zuma addressed the nation on #Nkandla pic.twitter.com/AxbztBQOgN

— Reuters Africa (@ReutersAfrica) April 2, 2016

According to Mantashe, president Zuma did the right thing by apologizing. He said the ruling party saw no reason to take drastic action against Zuma.

The Secretary General said the party will continue to stand by president Zuma.

President Zuma had reiterated that he accepted the Constitutional Court’s findings and that he and the ANC caucus in parliament flouted the constitution.

Zuma apologises for Nkandla scandal, opposition rejects it https://t.co/X5UdDmLeGo

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The President denied that he flouted the constitution and had apologised to South Africa for the “frustration” caused by the whole drama.

Mantashe said the ANC was convinced there was no intention by the president and parliament to violate the constitution.

“We noted and welcomed the apology to the nation. It was quite important that he humbled himself to apologise.”

He said the court judgement did not say Zuma must vacate his office.

President Zuma has been ordered to pay the money spent on his private residence at Nkandla.

AGENCY