While US President Obama's visit is mainly to strengthen bilateral relations and increase trade with South Africa, questions about the ruling ANC's practices found their way into a joint press conference hosted by the two heads of state on Saturday.
Asked by the media if the ANC respected former president Nelson Mandela's legacy and still did things the way he preferred, Zuma said "absolutely yes". "People forget at times that we've not changed policy. We're still using policies that we drafted together with Mandela. What we've been doing is enhancing those policies." The South African president said Mandela was happy with the route South Africa has taken and had told him that much during Zuma's visits to the former president before he got ill.
"We are pursuing the dreams and aspirations that Mandela was part of [during] some of the visits I made before his health changed. He said when I go to sleep I'll be very happy because I know South Africa is moving forward," Zuma said. "Other people might have other views but Mandela is definitely happy. We are happy that we're moving in Mandela's footsteps.
"He's been expressing happiness, commending what we've done. I have no doubt what we've been doing is what Mandela would have done if he were here." Mandela is fighting a recurring lung infection at Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, a hospitalisation that put him back on international news headlines, almost completely overshadowing the US president's long-awaited visit to South Africa.
Obama praises Mandela
Obama praised Mandela for the contribution he made to free South Africa and build the country into a constitutional democracy. "Nelson Mandela and the people of South Africa have shown what's possible when priority is placed on constitution, the rule of law and dignity."
He also praised Mandela for stepping down after the first presidency term, saying that made the man he regards as his "personal role model" a bigger person. "As leaders we occupy these places temporarily. And we should not get so deluded that we think the country depends on how long we stay." Zuma told the media that Mandela "remains critical" at the hospital " but "we are hoping that it's going to improve and he'll leave the hospital soon."