PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma is expected to issue a statement tomorrow regarding the controversy over the declaration of his interests. “By Wednesday morning, a statement will be issued on behalf of the president in relation to exactly what the position would be,” said Michael Hulley, one of the lawyers working “generally” on the matter. This followed a report, and confirmation by Zuma’s office, that he did not declare his interests after taking office last year.
The opposition DA, who believe this violated Section 5 of the Executive Ethics Code, said they would ask the Public Protector to investigate.
Zuma’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Zuma had been waiting for clarification from his legal team, as there had been a difference of opinion in his office on whether he had to declare his interests or not. “People should also appreciate that while the president has been waiting for clarification from the legal team, he has also instructed that a submission be prepared for purposes of declaration in the event that it was found that he has to declare,” Magwenya said.
A preamble signed by Zuma when he was acting president in 2000 reads: “In terms of section 2 (1) of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, 1998 (Act No. 82 of 1998), I hereby, after consultation with Parliament, publish the Executive Ethics Code with which Members of the Cabinet, Deputy Ministers and Members of Provincial Executive Councils must comply in performing their official responsibilities.”
Source: The Sowetan
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