ANC: Zuma's detractors prejudiced
2012-12-28 14:06
Johannesburg - Those prejudiced against President Jacob
Zuma thwarted the country from understanding the truth behind his remarks, that
caring for dogs as pets was part of "white" culture, the ANC chief whip
said on Friday.
"Only those harbouring prejudices and hostility
would have us believe that this president will take a break from holidays just
to address the community about dogs," said ANC Chief Whip Moloto Mothapo
in a statement.
Mothapo said that some of the people who harboured
"deep-seated anti-Zuma prejudices" included people in the media and
certain political commentators.
The Star reported on Thursday that Zuma, in a speech
given at Impendle in KwaZulu-Natal, had said that spending money to buy a dog
and taking it to the vet and for walks, belonged to "white" culture.
The presidency then later issued a statement, in which it
explained that Zuma was only trying to "decolonise the African mind"
with his statements.
Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said that Zuma
wanted "to enable the previously oppressed African majority to appreciate
and love who they are".
On Friday, Mothapo said he hoped that when the media
"hype" died down, South Africans would then focus on "the issues
of race relations, national pride, national identity, culture and ubuntu that
the President so eloquently spoke about".
Mothapo said he planned to ensure parliament debated
these issues in 2013.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said that a love of animals was not
defined by race.
"There’s no doubt that black Africans love their
dogs and animals," said the NSPCA in a statement.
The NSPCA also said that both horses and dogs were used
to protect the country and its borders.
"Man - black and white, and dog work together -
synchronised to undertake police work against criminals, drugs and insurgents.
These people form a bond with their dogs and horses."
The NSPCA said it was proud that former president Nelson
Mandela was its patron.
- SAPA
