Zuma launches public hotline.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has opened a telephone hotline to operate calls from the public directly to his state office allowing them to place in their complains.

President Zuma, during the inauguration of the call services admitted that the government had failed in meeting the basic services to its citizens owing to the financial constrains that the country is facing.

Head of communication in the President’s office Vusi Mona said they are handling about 2,420 calls each hour on the toll-free line from the public, which a good number are complaining about lack of water and electricity.

Angry protests by people from squatter settlements and deprived township over lack of essential services and negligence had rocked the country in July prompting him to act.

Zuma succeeded Kgalema Motlanthe in May who was elected as ‘stand in’ President by the South African National Assembly after resignation of Thabo Mbeki in September last year. [ER]