I just knew this was going to happen ever since Jacob Zuma threw down the challenge of a public debate against the "ANC dissidents."
African National Congress president Jacob Zuma's decision to turn down an invitation to a public debate is regrettable, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said on Wednesday.

"I learnt today that Zuma has for the fourth time passed up an opportunity of a public debate on matters of policy with me -- this is regrettable, especially since Zuma challenged his political opponents to a debate on policies during a speech at the Jabulani Stadium in Soweto on Sunday," Zille said in a statement.
full story from M&G here
Can you imagine having a USA style public debate between the leaders of the top parties here?