Zuma asserts ‘no crisis’

President Jacob Zuma has reassured South Africans that social grants will be paid on April 1.

“It’s unfortunate that people have been going ahead of events . . . they will get their pay and the country must not take this matter as if a problem has arisen‚” Zuma told eNCA in Jakarta‚ Indonesia.

Zuma told the broadcaster there was no crisis and cautioned ministers against engaging in public spats – a possible reference to a standoff between Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

The two ministries have openly disagreed about how the grants process should unfold.

“I’d like to appeal to the ministers themselves‚ that they should not talk in public and answer questions.

“They must work on what we have agreed‚ and pay people on the date‚” Zuma said. “Talking to the country . . . helps to fertilise [speculation].”