Zuma and his wives- a public disgrace

I was set on staying away from anything government related- but this I cannot ignore.

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's 70 year old president is set to take a fourth wife. The lucky blushing bride will be Bongi Ngema, a business woman.

In the Zulu tradition this is allowed, and I have no problem with him, or anybody else having twenty wives, if it is their tradition. My problem lies in the fact that Zuma is the president of South Africa, and as such, it's the taxpayer who takes care of his wives.

Presidential spokesman and Zuma sidekick, Mac Maharaj was quick to defend the boss and inform us that there will be no extra burden on the tax payer. According to the Presidency, the annual budget for 'presidential spousal support' is R15,5 Million!!!! (This was the last figure furnished- for the years2009-2010). Interestingly, double the cost of the presidents prior to him. Conveniently, last years budget is not yet available. Can't see it being less or even the same. Look at around R20 million.

The good servant Maharaj is, he assures us that none of this goes to the upkeep of any of the wives and they all pay their own expenses. (except for those listed below)
This little fund is there so our un-esteemed president can cart them around the world with him. I am sure this also includes a hefty spending money budget.

This is what is included in the Spousal Support:
1) Personal support staff (why would they need this)
2) Domestic and international air travel and accommodation. (and remember nothing less than the best class either)
3) Cell phone for spouses and their secretaries.
4) Equipment- for example, Laptops, Tablets, printers..
5) Special daily allowance for incidental expenses during official journeys.

Now on top of this we must remember that all of Zuma's wives sit on boards as directors and run their own businesses. So they are earning a pretty fortune. JZ himself earns around R2, 250 000 a year (R187 000 a month) without perks. And his wives are allowed to purchase luxury vehicles at our expense as well.

My point- why must the tax payer support his wives in the first place. Granted maybe travel with JZ should be covered- but laptops, staff and so on....R15,5 million....this is ridiculous. No surprise he wants to remain president. Another four years, maybe 5 wives later....who would not want that gig.

What it really is, is a shame! In a country where there is such high levels of unemployment and poverty, where R15 million could be used to better peoples lives by giving them houses, running water, power, even education. Spin it as they want, it is a disgrace. There is no justification to have such a high budget for his spouses. His wives have their own money, he is not struggling, yet they will still greedily take from their own citizens, citizens who are struggling to get through each day.
As I said- a disgrace.