*Caption: President Jacob Zuma in Parliament (Photo credit – The Daily Maverick)

Written by: Sihle Makhowana

President Jacob Zuma faced his last parliamentary questioning of the year on Wednesday where he was expected to give insight on hot topics such as the state of capture report.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced that they will be boycotting President Zuma’s question and answer session.

The seats usually occupied by the (EFF) were seen empty when the sitting began and Zuma was able to answer questions without any major disruptions.

In the absence of the EFF, AgangSA’s Andries Tlouamma advocated that Zuma’s failure to respect and obey the Constitution affected the decorum of the House.

“I have a right to be here. I’m protecting my constitutional right and I don’t care what you do,” said Tlouamma.

Speaker Baleka Mbete struggled to call him to order saying: “Honourable Tlouamma don’t try and replace the people who are not in this House,” making clear reference to the EFF.

The president answered six questions from parliament members including questions relating to the state of capture report, his relationship with the controversial Gupta family and the current economic state of the country.

When asked about the political interference and the impact it has had on the economy, Zuma said, “The problem is that South Africans politicise everything, including the ratings agencies.”

“We are politicizing things and create a very big hype. I bet some of you didn’t even know there have been downgrades. We are ready to tell them the truth about our politics in the country and they will make their decision.”

“No one, no matter what position they hold, can instruct the president to establish a commission,” Zuma said during the question-and-answer session in the National assembly.

Rating agency Moody’s is expected to give reviews on the current economic standings this coming Friday while Standard and Poors is expected to give its credit ratings review verdict next week.

As the curtain closed for the Q and A session, uncertainty and doubt regarding the country’s economic status lingers on.