Staff Writer
THE Presidency has rejected as fictitious a City Press report that said President Jacob Zuma attended a dinner and addressed councillors after the launch of the War on Water Leaks programme in Port Elizabeth.
The Presidency said that the article was “a complete fabrication”.
“President Zuma did not attend any dinner in Port Elizabeth. He was never scheduled to attend and address any dinner and had also not been invited to attend any dinner. The President left Port Elizabeth after the launch of the War on Water Leaks programme. By around 4.30pm he was already in Pretoria,” the Presidency said in a statement.
“For a newspaper to report on a non-existent event, and even directly quote the President and attribute to him words he never spoke, is a frightening indictment of City Press. The newspaper’s editorial management must be able to distinguish between fact and fiction,” said the Presidency.
In the City Press article, published on Sunday, four sources are mentioned.
Zuma is quoted as saying: “As part of the measures to improve service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay, national government, through the minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, has presented a support package to council and this has been formally adopted.
“I want to assure you government will do everything possible to ensure this city is revitalised and returns to its former glory.”
When approached for comment yesterday, City Press editor Ferial Haffajee said: “I am currently investigating, and in communication with the Presidency.”