Zille in hot water over “leaked” info

·7 Feb 2014

Western Cape Premier and leader of South Africa’s official opposition party – the Democratic Alliance – Helen Zille has been accused by the Presidency of leaking confidential information.

It follows a message by Zille on social media site which stated that an election date was due to be announced on Friday.

President Jacob Zuma has since proclaimed May 7 as the date for the national elections,.

The Presidency spokesman, Mac Maharaj said Zille leaked information that arose during a confidential consultation between President Jacob Zuma, premiers and the Independent Electoral Commission on Thursday to discuss election preparations.

Maharaj did not specify what Zille leaked.

“Ms Zille, as Premier, sits in meetings discussing serious matters of state. She should thus respect confidentiality and not abuse the privilege and trust accorded to her by virtue of her status,” Maharaj said.

“The president hosted the meeting of the IEC and Premiers yesterday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla.”

Zille and her spokesman Cameron Arendse could not immediately be reached for comment.

Over 24.1 million South Africans have registered to vote, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Thursday.

This is ahead of the final voter registration taking place this weekend (8 – 9 February).

“This (24.1 million) is 76.7% of the estimated voting age population which, according to Statistics SA, is 31.4 million,” IEC spokeswoman Kate Bapela said in a statement.

“This includes just over one million new voters who were added to the voters’ roll during the previous registration weekend held in November.”

The IEC had set itself a target of securing 80% of the voting population on its voters’ roll.

“To reach this threshold, 1.1 million will be targeted in the final registration weekend.”