While yesterday’s parliamentary sitting had none of the fireworks we witnessed last Thursday, we did get to see JZ take to the podium and offer his rebuttal to what had been a week full of name-calling. You know, like when Mmusi Maimane ripped into the ‘honourable’ president.

Now we did have it on in the office, being the reputable news outlet that we are, but paying attention for a full 80 minutes requires Mr Miyagi-like powers of concentration. Thankfully the good folk at the Mail and Guardian have identified the five key points from the address, so let’s break it down shall we?

The Land Holding Bill – Good news overseas fans of the second home in Cape Town (we know your second home isn’t in Jozi):

It does not affect those foreign nationals who are planning to buy homes or residences…

…the effective participation of the previously excluded black majority in agriculture and food production will only occur meaningfully, when they have access to land and the means to work it.

So our overseas pals can buy residential property but not agricultural property. Next…

Supply chain management – COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota had called JZ out on what he said was a faulty system. Zuma responded by saying that there will be a centralised supplier database in place by April:

The system will offer a quick and more effective mechanism for verifying supplier information, such as their BEE status, tax certificates and the like.

Zuma also said that this centralised system will have tangible benefits for small, medium and micro enterprises. Way to look out for the little guy.

Buthelezi: The voice of reason – Anyone who has seen just a smattering of our parliamentary sittings will know that heckling is rampant. Jacob made a special point of thanking Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi:

You sometimes resemble a father figure to us … It’s always good to have senior citizens around.

Quality education a priority – Yeah, we’ve all been acutely aware for some time now that our education system needs an overhaul:

Progress is being made to steadily improve outcomes in the basic education sector. We believe we have the right formula at last and that results in all grades will continue to steadily improve.

A history lesson on colonialism – You may remember THIS British perspective on Zuma’s Jan van Riebeeck comments. He used yesterday as a chance to further educate our citizens:

He reassured Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder that no one was chasing Afrikaner compatriots away from the country…

After delivering a history lesson on colonialism and the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck and the Eastern Cape wars – while pointing out it was in the history books – Zuma told Mulder that South Africa belonged to all who live in it.

And there you have it. JZ also managed to throw in a few funnies and get his giggle on. Oh, and that pesky #paybackthemoney business? Not. A. Word.

Thanks to Mail and Guardian for the breakdown.

[source:mg]