"No such discussion has taken place and no such demand has been made anywhere by President Zuma."

On Sunday, Rapport, sister publication of News24, reported that the Presidency had started to compose regulations for a state of emergency.

Slashing spending and upping taxes may help plug the budget shortfall and pay for higher education

The Deputy President has been openly critical of the latest Cabinet reshuffle — the 11th since President Jacob Zuma assumed office in 2009.

City Press reported that President Zuma and Minister Ayanda Dlodlo were allegedly planning to make their own appointments for certain key positions.

The president’s latest acting spokesperson is said to be a ‘loyal cadre’ but ‘the nicest of people’, writes Carien du Plessis.