Three (very recent) quotes from Zuma that show he is backing nuclear

The president has become increasingly vocal on the controversial nuclear project that is set to cost the country a trillion rands.

President Jacob Zuma laughs before the unveiling of a statue of OR Tambo in the International Arrivals terminal of OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on 19 October 2017. Today marked the unveiling of a statue in honour of the struggle icon by President Jacob Zuma. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia

While speaking at two events in the past week, President Jacob Zuma has been purposefully punting the nuclear build project, dropping comments that directly address his thoughts on the contentious matter.

Zuma is said to have been frustrated when speaking at the Tambo Memorial Lecture in Kagiso, West Rand, over the weekend. He was addressing ANC branches who had gathered to hear him speak. On nuclear, he said: “Do you see where the nuclear issues comes from? They said the ANC shouldn’t be in control of nuclear because they are communists. Destroy all that you have so that they don’t acquire the skills to run nuclear.”

Energy Minister David Mahlobo. (Photo: GCIS)

2. At the same event, Zuma added: “I hear some saying: ‘We don’t want nuclear, we don’t nuclear.” Webabo! In other words, in the balance of forces, you are supporting the wrong forces,” he said.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motswaledi (Photo: DOC)
“Nuclear! Remember the nuclear!” Zuma said while visiting the Steve Biko Academic Hospital’s nuclear unit. Zuma was in the presence of Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. He would later repeat: “Nuclear is the winner!”

The nuclear deal has been beset by allegations of pressure from the Russian government on the matter, while civil society and opposition parties have vowed to stop the deal from going ahead.

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