President Zuma denies Rumours about his Cancelled UK Trip

President Jacob Zuma has reacted to rumours that he cancelled his trip to the UK because he was refused an audience with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

In a media statement released today the Presidency said it has noted these reports, and that they are “incorrect and mischievous”.

President Zuma was scheduled to open the innovaBRICS conference in the UK.

Local reports in the South African media claimed that an official in the UK revealed Zuma pulled out of the trip after being offered an audience with Cameron’s Deputy, Nick Clegg, instead.

The Presidency said today: “We wish to clarify that it was not compulsory for President Zuma to meet the British Prime Minister Mr David Cameron.

“The purpose of the visit to London was to open the innovaBRICS conference and to promote South Africa as an investment destination. The conference is part-sponsored by the South African government through BrandSA. Therefore, it was not a South Africa-UK bilateral visit which necessitates an engagement at a government level.

“When Heads of State and government undertake a visit of this nature it is not a necessity to see the host head of state or government. A courtesy call takes place when both are available.”

The statement pointed out that many heads of state and government come to South Africa and leave the country without seeing President Zuma, if their schedule or his does not permit a courtesy call. It is normal.

The Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jeff Radebe will lead the South African delegation to London. He is accompanied by Dr Rob Davies, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Nhlanhla Nene, the Minister of Finance and Ms Faith Muthambi, the Minister of Communications.

In place of Zuma, Minister Radebe will open the 3rd annual innovaBRICS conference and the Ministers will also attend other meetings in London on 27-28 October, briefing opinion makers and potential investors on the progress made by the country since 1994.

WHAT IS INNOVABRICS?

The innovaBRICS is an important marketing platform for South Africa and Cabinet Ministers attend sessions on behalf of the country each year. The President had been planning to attend this year’s conference at Brand SA’s request and that of the organisers but will no longer attend. He is of the view that the Ministers will represent the country well as they have done each year.

South Africa and the United Kingdom have extensive trade and economic relations which continue to strengthen, despite the global economic challenges. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the United Kingdom stood at R60 billion for the period January 2009 to April 2014, the highest from Europe in this period and creating 19 699 jobs.

In 2013, the United Kingdom ranked as South Africa’s 8th largest export market globally, and the 2nd largest in the European Union after Germany. Although trade figures have not yet reached the levels prior to the global economic crisis, there has been gradual improvement. In 2013, South Africa’s exports to the UK grew by 16% compared to 2012, and imports from the UK increased by 12%.

Similarly, the United Kingdom is South Africa’s most significant source of long-haul tourists. In 2013, more than to 442 000 British tourists visited South Africa, an increase of one percent on the figure for 2012.

“The London visit by Ministers is designed to send the message that South Africa is open for business. We prefer to focus on that message which will take the country forward,” said the Presidency.