Zuma will maintain Parliamentary obligations

Allegations that President Jacob Zuma is shirking his Parliamentary obligations have been discounted by the Office of the President. Image: GCIS

"The President continues to meet his parliamentary obligations," the Presidency said in a statement, responding to a report by a Sunday newspaper. "The President responds to oral questions four times a year in the National Assembly. During an election year, this time is naturally reduced given the time it takes to prepare for elections and form a new government.

"We are in discussions with the National Assembly to finalise dates for oral questions," the statement said.

"Zuma continues to respond to questions for written reply from members of Parliament as shown in the Parliamentary records on the Presidency's website.

Zuma decided during his last term to answer oral questions in the National Council of Provinces and discussions are taking place with the NCOP to sort out the programme with his annual address to the NCOP scheduled for 6 November.

The Presidency added that in the Presidency Budget Vote in July this year the President outlined that he would host several working group sessions with business, people with disabilities, the youth, women, the higher education sector, the mining sector and others.

"Some of the groups have met already, others are being constituted at the technical level and most of the meetings will take place next year. The Presidential Business Working Group will meet on the 24 October in Pretoria," the Presidency's statement said.

"It should also be emphasised that the President is not a Member of Parliament which is why he does not attend the plenary sessions of the National Assembly.

"He goes to the House when invited and performs tasks such as responding to questions or to deliver the State of the Nation Address," it said.