17 March 2010

Today the IFP-aligned South African Democratic Students' Movement (SADESMO) expressed shock at the revelations that the spousal office in the Presidency would cost the taxpayer R7 million more than in previous years.

SADESMO National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: "SADESMO has noted with grave concern the costs being incurred by the already burdened taxpayer to finance the polygamous lifestyle of the President, whilst a large number of schools in South Africa remain depressingly under-resourced and ill-equipped to meet the expectations of our education system."

Hlengwa said that those in the present government seem hell-bent on living luxury lives at the expense of the poor.

Hlengwa noted: "Last year we witnessed Ministers splashing millions of Rands on luxury cars; even the communists momentarily forgot that they were communists. The Zuma government in particular, seems to forget that poverty in South Africa is on the increase and that spending in many instances is not responsive to the needs of the people."

Hlengwa added: "All this money that is being wasted on Zuma's adventurous life, would be best spent on revamping NSFAS to ensure that people are able to secure sustainable livelihoods, through accessing education. It is absolutely ridiculous that post the recession money is being spent so unwisely. We are in this mess because of the ANC's persistent failure to prioritise properly in terms of service delivery. With each passing day, one realises that the finish line moves further and further away into the dark unknown." 

Hlengwa conceded that the spousal office is an important part of our democracy but it should not, because of its importance, end up being a burden on the taxpayer. He said: "Zikhona izinto eziyingxenye yohlelo lokubuswa kwezwe ngentando yeningi esingazibekezelela, kodwa leyokuthi abakhokhi bentela kumele bathwale umndeni kaZuma ongathi uwumphongolo wesivumelwano ifana ncamashi nomsangano; sekukhona nenhlese yokuxhashazwa phela manje. Okulandelayo sizogcina sesondla nezimfene zakhona."

In conclusion Hlengwa said: "South Africans should not bear the brunt of Zuma's polygamy, and in the interest of development, it would be best that for the remainder of Zuma's term, his wives should rotate yearly in the spousal office. Given the leadership tussle in the ANC, it seems as though we will not have to worry about this debacle post the 2014 elections. Money must be spent on people!"

Education for Life - Education for Liberation - Education is Liberty!

For more information, kindly contact:

Mkhuleko "Leko" Hlengwa

SADESMO: National Spokesperson

083 871 2711 / 073 166 7904