SA will warmly welcome Obama: Zuma

President Jacob Zuma says US President Barrack Obama will be warmly welcomed in South Africa. He was answering questions on his counterpart's impending visit to the country during an outreach visit to Upington in the Northern Cape.
Zuma says South Africa appreciates the visit and the opportunity to discuss domestic issues as well as issues affecting the continent. His comments come in the face of increasing civil and trade union opposition to the American President's visit.

Fresh off his visit to Cape Town, Zuma headed to Upington to engage with local communities. During his door to door visits, he again heard of issues around a lack of housing, sanitation and jobs. Following his visit, the President says people are generally more positive.

Zuma says: "I can see in them that there is hope,  that things will happen. We are also conveying the message that they should be ready for next year to vote and they need to have their identity documents ready to register."

Zuma toured local taxi ranks and paid a visit to the historic Upington 26 monument. He was also asked about the impending visit by Obama, to which Zuma responded that it would enhance relations between the two countries.

The President says: "We will have an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges that face the globe today in terms of the economy, but we also discuss the challenges that Africa faces particularly peace and security as well as the support we think we deserve or would want to have from big countries.”

Zuma also says he did not see mounting opposition to the Obama visit interrupting the programme. He also urged anti-Obama-visit protestors to act within the confines of the law. Several groups, including religious organisations opposed to US policies on Africa and the world are against Obama's visit.

Zuma rounded off his visit to the Northern Cape by introducing a 5 000 strong ANC volunteer corp.


Source: SABC