Shopper couple unimpressed by the big cheese

But the South African president’s arrival went unnoticed at a London supermarket yesterday as some shoppers seemed more interested in what was on offer at the cheese counter.

Mr Zuma was taken around a Sainsbury’s store in Greenwich, south-east London, where he was shown a range of South African produce and wine.

However in spite of an entourage of dozens and being flanked by Environment Secretary and Leeds MP Hilary Benn plus Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King, local shoppers did not realise they were rubbing shoulders with a presidential delegation.

John, 92, and Catherine Przeslawski, 86, were so engrossed in buying cheese they failed to notice Mr Zuma and the following Press pack.

They were pictured with their backs turned to Mr Zuma’s group with Mr Przeslawski holding a basket.

Asked later if they had noticed the president, the couple replied: “Who?”.

Mr Przeslawski, who lives with his wife in Greenwich, said: “We didn’t notice anybody, we were too busy choosing our cheese, we didn’t see the president at all.”

During his visit yesterday, Mr Zuma also sought to ease the fears of football fans travelling to the World Cup by claiming his nation had addressed concerns over security. South Africa’s high crime rate continues to top the agenda ahead of the tournament in June.

During a tour of Wembley Stadium, he said: “It’s expected that people will have concern but we have worked very hard on the World Cup and that has included the question of safety. The fact is we have brought down crime already.

“We are therefore very confident. We are ready to protect those who come. If there are those who are sceptical or feel concern, they must know this matter has been addressed.

“They will come to South Africa safely and leave safer.”

Mr Zuma was attending a banquet with Lord Mayor of the City of London Nick Anstee at the Guildhall last night to give a speech stressing the importance of historic and modern links between South Africa and Britain.