Zuma cancels UK trip

President Jacob Zuma. File picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

President Jacob Zuma. File picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

Published Oct 24, 2014

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Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will not be going to the United Kingdom to attend the 3rd Annual innovaBRICS Conference, the presidency said on Friday.

“His Excellency President Jacob Zuma will no longer attend the 3rd Annual innovaBRICS Conference in London, United Kingdom which takes place on 27 October 2014,” the presidency said in a statement.

“The country and the president will be represented by four ministers. The delegation will be led by the Minister in the Presidency, Dr Jeff Radebe, and comprises Dr Rob Davies, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Nhlanhla Nene, the Minister of Finance, and Ms Faith Muthambi, the Minister of Communications.”

The presidency did not give reasons for Zuma's cancellation. Attempts to get hold of the presidency's spokesman Mac Maharaj were not successful.

According to the office, the country's international marketing agency, Brand South Africa, has been a lead partner with innovaBRICS, a business networking forum, since its inception in 2012.

The presidency said the forum was an important marketing forum for South Africa and Cabinet ministers to attend sessions on behalf of the country each year.

“South Africa's participation in the conference will be within the context of promoting the National Development Plan and promoting the country as a prime business destination.

“The ministers will engage with UK business leaders and opinion makers in various forums during the visit,” the presidency said.

Sapa

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