They are lunatics, ANC says of those who jeered Zuma

PRETORIA

The Africa National Congress on Wednesday reacted strongly to crowds who heckled and booed President Jacob Zuma as he hosted world leaders in South Africa at global icon Nelson Mandela's memorial.

“It’s the work of a few lunatics. Millions of South Africans are paying their respects to Madiba with dignity,” ANC national spokesman Jackson Mthembu told the Nation outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

“Why choose the event when we are mourning? Let us not take a few fringe lunatics when millions of people are wonderfully mourning Madiba,” Mr Mthembu said.

South African newspapers concentrated their reporting of the memorial in with what they saw as President Zuma’s humiliation in front of his State guests and the world.

South African President Jacob Zuma had more than his fair share of difficulty when he turned up to lead his nation in mourning their departed leader Nelson Mandela.

Mr Zuma was booed and heckled when he first entered the crowded stadium, and again when he prepared to speak.

In contrast, US President Barack Obama received a roaring ovation when he arrived and as he spoke.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, Cuba’s Raúl Castro and UN chief Ban Ki-moon, are also among leaders who were variedly cheered when they were introduced to the crowd.

Some in the crowd accompanied the boos for President Zuma with thumbs-down gestures and rotating hand movements, the sign usually used for a substitution in a soccer match.

South Africa’s elections are due next year and some of the heckling and booing were associated with the political mood developing in the country.

Mr Zuma appeared to take it all in his stride and kept his composure but the hecklers did not leave without a tongue-lashing from Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said the benediction at the memorial.