OPPOSITION RELYS ON BOOKS, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING TO SAY - ZUMA

President Jacob Zuma has taken a swipe at those who support the content of the book The President's Keeper written by journalist Jacques Pauw. 

On Thursday at the annual address to the National Council of Province's debate, Zuma said the oppositions were relying on books as part of their unrelenting focus on him. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Jacques Julius had been waving the book at Zuma while he was delivering his speech.

"The tendency of carrying the books, written by people who are speculating, rumours and allegations and they actually believe are tested facts. Why do they say so? Because they have nothing to say, so they have to mimic authors who have written some books. This country is faced with a big challenge. What do you do with such opposition parties, really?" Zuma said in response.

Delivering his annual address to the NCOP on Wednesday afternoon, Zuma says it is the only way to totally lift the population out of poverty. Zuma says despite the country's struggling economy, strides have been made over the past year to improve the lives of poor South Africans. 

The government remains committed to improving the lives of vulnerable South Africans, particularly in rural areas and radical economic transformation is critical to his goal, says Zuma.  

“Radical economic transformation is government policy and arises from the African National Congress and not from outside the country as many rumour mongers claim.”

“Radical economic transformation is about changing the status quo in order to promote growth, expansion and sustainability in the economy.”

Zuma also says that all South Africans must form part of the inclusive economy if their economic situation and that of the country are to improve. He also says he is confident the government will be able to steer the country in the right direction despite the many challenges and difficulties it currently faces.