SOUTH Africa’s Twitter ‘streets’ were abuzz on Wednesday night after former president Jacob Zuma agreed to host an unusual ‘tea meeting’ at his homestead in Nkandla with his fierce and bitter political enemy Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.
The agenda of the tea meeting between two politicians remains unknown, but speculation is that Malema requested to meet Zuma amid a public outcry over the former president’s decision to defy a Constitutional Court ruling to appear before the State Capture Commission of Inquiry.
The commission has summoned Zuma to appear before it from 15 to 19 February.
Zuma, however, has refused to comply with the commission’s request, saying its chairperson, deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, was conflicted and biased, and should recuse himself.
“@PresJGZuma can we please have tea urgently,” Malema tagged Zuma around 2pm on Wednesday.
Three hours later, Zuma replied: “Thobela Moshabi. I have seen your request to share a cup of tea. As you know, Nkandla village is home for me and that is where my time is spent these days. Tea I have plenty of, you are more than welcome to come over for a cup.”
Malema further said the meeting was “in the best interest of our country”.
“Thank you Baba, I will make a plan to arrive, possibly this weekend. I will take it further with your young man @mzwandileMasina for final details. Thank you for accepting my request promptly. It is in the best interest of our country.”
Controversial Ekurhuleni executive mayor and ANC regional chairperson Mzwandile Masina has been tasked with setting up the much-awaited tea meeting, expected to take place on Saturday.
“Tea session of President Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema will be interesting and I’m sure the two men who contributed to the constitutional being of SA will provide a grate insight of how mature our democracy has become. Count down starts now, keep you posted!!!!” said Masina.
The media won’t be allowed to broadcast or attend the private conversation between the two after a Twitter user asked Malema if this would be the case.
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
