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Zuma did not practice witchcraft – Maharaj

It appears that some journalists, who probably do not understand the isiZulu language, did a literal translation and lost the meaning

NELSPRUIT – Media reports stating that President Jacob Zuma used to practice witchcraft are ridiculous and misleading, presidential spokesman Mr Mac Maharaj says.

The President, speaking in KwaNyamazane on Wednesday in isiZulu, related to the audience how, while operating in exile in Swaziland, he used to infiltrate South Africa through the KwaNyamazane area to do underground political work.

Given the “cloak and dagger” manner of such underground operations, they were referred to jocularly as “ukuthakatha” (witchcraft), which implied “bewitching” the authorities by outwitting them.

“It appears that some journalists, who probably do not understand the isiZulu language, did a literal translation and lost the meaning,” Maharaj said in a press statement late yesterday afternoon.

• Read more on Zuma’s visit to Kanyamazane on Wednesday, here

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