(Picture: Sapa)
Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma's remark that South
Africans' quality of life has improved since the advent of democracy was
insensitive, the Christian Democratic Party (CDP) said on Friday.
"While addressing certain diplomats, President Jacob
Zuma remarked that quality of life in South Africa has markedly improved since
the ANC came into power," leader Theunis Botha said in a statement.
"This statement is not only misleading, but could in
some instances be considered a downright lie," he said.
Zuma said on Thursday: "We have kept our promise to
create a better life for all. We have changed the quality of lives of our
people."
The president said more jobs had been created, and
poverty levels had been reduced, as had unemployment.
The comments were made when Zuma was receiving letters of
credence from incoming ambassadors and high commissioners. The event was held
at the Sefako Makgatho presidential guest house in Pretoria.
Botha said his party thought Zuma's remarks were an
insult to the country's jobless.
"We... feel that the remarks on the improvement of
quality of life are an absolute insult to the millions who are
unemployed."
They were also an insult to those living in squatter
camps; those who were discriminated against due to racism; and, those who had
suffered because of crime.
"The president obviously appears to be part of the
country’s economic woes, as his questionable statements strip him of
credibility, and the country of investment confidence," said Botha.
- SAPA : source : NEWS24
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