Cape Town – Former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa after he, in his capacity as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, undertook a working visit to Eswatini on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa and King Mswati held discussions on a broad range of matters relating to the political and security situation in the Kingdom.
This followed weeks of violent clashes between security forces and protesters.
[PHOTOS]: His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security meeting with King Mswati III at the Royal Palace in the Kingdom of Eswatini for deliberations on political and security developments in the Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/1oJSvI0b6B
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) November 2, 2021
In a statement, the presidency said the meeting between Ramaphosa and the king “resolved that the Kingdom of Eswatini will embark on a process that will work towards the establishment of a national dialogue forum”.
ALSO READ | Eswatini to launch talks with protesters, says Cyril Ramaphosa
Preparations for the dialogue will take place over the next three months, “a period during which his majesty will undertake his annual, mandatory” retreat, the statement said.
Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured since pro-democracy demonstrations first erupted in June, in the worst unrest to hit the usually peaceful former British colony.
Taking to social media, Zuma-Sambudla slammed Ramaphosa’s visit, saying it was wrong for him to visit Eswatini at a time when South Africa was still counting votes for local elections.
“… Tell Cyril there’s elections at home and @MYANC) is not doing well. Swazilkand needed him 3 weeks ago and he blue ticked them,” she tweeted.
Hebana! These White Advisors! Tell Cyril There’s Elections At Home And @MYANC Is Not Doing Well. (Swaziland Needed Him 3 Weeks Ago And He Blue Ticked Them!) https://t.co/E0HLbXUzfO
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) November 2, 2021
In another separate tweet, Zuma-Sambudla wrote: “A whole Cyril leaving the country in the middle of an election… Hayi, this man doesn’t see us.”
A Whole Cyril Leaving The Country In The Middle Of An Election…Hayi, This Man Doesn’t See Us
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) November 2, 2021
In yet another tweet, she suggested that Ramaphosa was not “bothered” by the ANC’s performance during the elections.
“We can’t be shocked by the numbers. #PresidentZuma warned us of the plan to destroy the ANC… The only winner in Cyril, his mandate from WMC has been delivered. That’s why he isn’t even bothered, he left the country,” she wrote.
We Can’t Be Shocked By The Numbers. #PresidentZuma Warned Us Of The Plan To Destroy The ANC…The Only Winner Here Is Cyril, His Mandate From WMC Has Been Delivered, That’s Why He Isn’t Even Bothered, He Left The Country. pic.twitter.com/J8RYJPtJ2d
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) November 2, 2021
IOL reported on Thursday that nationally, despite its dismal numbers, the ANC remained in the lead with 46% of support – with 97% of the results in by 07:30.
The final results were expected to be announced later on Thursday evening.
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Picture: Getty Images
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
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Additional reporting by AFP
