The irritation in President Jacob Zuma’s throat subsided briefly as he answered the first part of a question posed to him in the NCOP on Tuesday.
But then there was an awkward follow-up question.
DA MP Willem Faber had asked Zuma about the position of the country’s economic stability given the ongoing investigation of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. Zuma appeared comfortable‚ even authoritative‚ as read out his written reply.
But then Faber asked follow-up questions: "Mr President‚ when did you learn of Shaun Abrahams' intention to charge Pravin Gordhan‚ was this discussed with Mr Abrahams' visit to Luthuli House in a meeting with yourself and ministers a day before charging the minister of finance?"
Zuma cleared his throat and throughout his reply the irritation in his throat appeared to be back with a vengeance.
"Honourable chair‚ firstly the matter of the minister‚ I think the member should appreciate that the matter is before court and I do not think we could be discussing details of that matter when it is before court.
"And I must also say that the matter was never discussed with Abrahams and the president. Never‚ never‚ never and the meeting the honourable member is referring to‚ was a meeting between the security cluster discussing a totally different matter."
- TMG Digital
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