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S. African president Zuma pledges to cut gov't spending

Xinhua, February 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

South African President Jacob Zuma pledged on Thursday to cut government spending in times of economic difficulties.

The government will cut down overseas trips and slash the size of delegations, Zuma said to the applause of the audience at the joint sitting of Parliament.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Zuma said conferences and catering will also be cut.

More measures will be announced during the budget speech to be delivered by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan later this month, Zuma said.

Zuma also called for urgent review of the "two capitals" --- Pretoria (administrative) and Cape Town (legislative).

"The cost is too big" to maintain the two capitals as this requires two houses and two cars for officials, not to mention that the officials have to travel from one city to another.

Zuma said this issue needs urgent attention in Parliament.

The public seemed not excited by what Zuma has announced to cut government spending. Endit