‘Embarrassed’ Zuma allegedly treats rich Arab leader like a yoyo – report

President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday reportedly angered a delegation accompanying the emir of Qatar, who’s in the country on a two-day state visit, after he rearranged the visit at the 11th hour in order to avoid the “embarrassment” of the National Day of Action on Wednesday.

According to a News24 report, the Qatari delegation was supposed to be hosted at the Union Buildings on Wednesday evening. However, the event was moved up to Tuesday night following advice from security agencies who requested the change due to the marches by opposition parties calling on Zuma to step down.

A source with knowledge of the matter told the news website that on Tuesday morning Zuma again changed his mind and wanted to stick to Wednesday. But the Qatari guests protested at the changes and insisted that the event proceed, saying they were being treated like “yoyos” by the South African government.

“We were meant to host the emir of Qatar on a state visit on Wednesday. Yesterday [Monday evening] the president [on the advice of security agencies] moved it to tonight [Tuesday] to avoid the embarrassment of his guest witnessing the protesters.

“Everything was moved: logistics, protocol, arrangements. The emir and his delegation were informed accordingly. They were not happy but accepted given the domestic political climate. This morning Zuma again changed his mind, saying we should stick to Wednesday. When the emir and his people were told, they blew their tops and refused to be treated like yoyos,” the source was quoted as saying.

The source said Zuma ultimately decided to host his counterpart Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani on Tuesday evening – making the event a rare occurrence in SA diplomacy, as it was “the first-ever historic state visit hosted by Zuma at night”.

However, presidency spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga denied the change of plan was to avoid embarrassing the president.

“On Friday last week there was a march to the Union Buildings and yet the work of government continued. In October 2015, the president held a meeting at the Union Buildings while thousands of students were at the south lawns demanding free education. So any march to the Union Buildings will never stop the functioning of government,” he said.

He added that Zuma would host a luncheon for the emir at the presidential guesthouse on Wednesday.

A source close to the Qatari royal family confirmed to News24 that the protests by opposition parties were behind the change in schedule.

“The presidency cancelled due to protests. From Wednesday to tonight then back to Wednesday then back to tonight. The Qataris are upset. They feel they are not being taken seriously. They have lots of money and could have closed some investment gaps,” the source said.

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