Maimane challenges Zuma to a public debate on economy
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane has challenged President Jacob Zuma to a public debate on the state of the economy.
This comes less than 24 hours after Zuma announced that he was replacing Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene with African National Congress (ANC) backbencher David van Rooyen.
Maimane called Zuma's decision "irrational and reckless".
"It is clear that President Zuma is bringing himself closer and closer to having his own way with South Africa’s Treasury, unhindered by anyone in his path," he said in a statement.
"It is for this reason that I am today challenging President Zuma to a public debate on the state of our economy, rampant unemployment and corruption, where the President can explain to the people of South Africa why he continues to fail South Africa by allowing our economy to degenerate."
The DA leader said Zuma had to answer to the country and give reasons why he fired Nene, who sought to give the economy positive direction.
The Presidency would not comment on Maimane's challenge.
Maimane said he wrote to Zuma a few months ago, requesting a meeting to discuss solutions for the economy and people of South Africa, but had received no response.
"President Zuma, as the head of state and government, must come out of hiding and address matters relating to the economy," he said.
The news of Nene's axing has been met with shock and disappointment, and has sent the Rand plummeting.
This also comes at a time when the country could be facing "junk" status.
Zuma announced late on Wednesday in a statement that Van Rooyen would take over from Nene as finance minister.
Van Rooyen was sworn in at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking after the ceremony, he said he was aware he was facing a "colossal" assignment in his new job.
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