SOUTH AFRICA: Zuma barred from Kathrada funeral

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has not attended the funeral of veteran anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada at the request of his family. Mr Kathrada called on Mr Zuma to resign last year after he became mired in a series of corruption scandals. Ex-President Kgalema Motlanthe got a rousing applause from mourners when he repeated Mr […]

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has not attended the funeral of veteran anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada at the request of his family.
Mr Kathrada called on Mr Zuma to resign last year after he became mired in a series of corruption scandals.
Ex-President Kgalema Motlanthe got a rousing applause from mourners when he repeated Mr Kathrada’s call.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who is at risk of being sacked by Mr Zuma, also received a standing ovation.
Mr Kathrada, 87, was buried in the main city, Johannesburg, following his death on Tuesday.
However, Mr Zuma did not attend the funeral and would not attend a memorial service later this week “in compliance with the wishes of the family,” a government statement said.
Mr Kathrada’s wife, Barbara Hogan, is known to be a fierce critic of Mr Zuma.
Mr Kathrada was a member of the governing African National Congress (ANC), which is led by Mr Zuma.