Irregularities blamed for Zuma’s late reaction

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 march 2010

President Jacob Zuma’s lawyer Michael Hulley says anomalies in the code governing the declaration of the president's assets contributed to why Zuma was late in declaring his interests.

The information was eventually submitted yesterday. Hulley says there were certain anomalies in the code which sets out the declaration of personal financial interests.

Zuma was supposed to have declared his financial interests within 60 days of taking office last May. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said earlier that the delay was caused because Zuma's family was so large. He has three wives and 20 children.

Hulley says Zuma does not hold any directorship, membership or shareholding in any company, either public or private, nor is he associated in any way therewith. The suggestions to the contrary are devoid of any truth and are regrettable.

Meanwhile Democratic Alliance Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip says his party will definitely not withdraw its request to the Public Protector to investigate the matter.

Trollip says Trollip it public pressure and the party's complaint led to the declaration finally being submitted.