The ANC on Thursday insisted President Jacob Zuma was not trying to avoid the media by taking two days off.

It was announced Zuma would rest on Thursday and Friday after a chaotic schedule.

The decision comes after the president confirmed he fathered a child with soccer boss Irvan Khosa’s daughter, Sonono Khoza.

Political analyst Harald Pakekndorf said even though Zuma attended a World Economic Forum in Switzerland and an African Union meeting in Ethiopia this week, there should not be any reason for him to take time off.

“I can’t understand that he would be so tired, he has a long flight back, he can sleep on the plane,” he said.

There was speculation the president might be avoiding the media but the ANC’s Zizi Kodwa denied this.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will be holding the fort while Zuma is away.