On the brink of a budget: Will the GNU survive this test? We interview Dr Mmusi Maimane
The ANC has been scrambling to get enough votes to pass the national budget today with the DA playing hardball.
The blue party has been refusing to support the Appropriations Bill or any budget tied to ANC ministers facing misconduct allegations, saying corruption shouldn't be funded.
In a dramatic twist, President Ramaphosa fired Minister Nkabane, but is that enough to save the budget?
If this Appropriation Bill flops, it's not just a political embarrassment; it could mean no money for schools, hospitals, or even salaries, explains Maimane.
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The MKP wants Mchunu fired, while also contesting Cachalia's appointment as acting police minister. Central to the case are questions about the limits of presidential power, the legality of acting appointments and whether Ramaphosa acted rationally when he established a judicial commission of inquiry into serious allegations of criminal infiltration of law enforcement agencies. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in the case brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his alleged protection of under fire police minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: GCIS Lawyers representing the MKP argued that Ramaphosa has no right to appoint more than one minister of police at the same time. MKP legal counsel, Mpati Qofa-Lebakeng, argued that the country's ailing economy cannot afford to have more than one minister and two acting ministers at the same time. 'We have dealt with cost implications related to three ministers of police and two deputy ministers. We are saying in the context of an economy like ours, there is no rational decision that would warrant the President having three Ministers of Police in his Cabinet. The cost implication does not limit itself only to the Minister of police's portfolio. It also goes to the second leg of costs that are occasioned by the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry. We are saying, just on that point alone, there is no way that the cost would be justifiable when the President has taken the decision which has already been alluded to," she argued. Also, arguing on behalf of the MK Party, Dali Mpofu stated that no President could appoint a minister from outside those who are already in Cabinet. "We can agree that it is wrong," Mpofu said. Anton Katz, also on behalf of the MKP argued that Chapter 5 of the Constitution grants no power to suspend, only to appoint or dismiss, saying there was nothing in between. "There is no vacancy when it comes to ministers, and for this purpose, I want to refer you to Chapter 5 of the Constitution. This part of the Constitution, its wording, content, and purpose, tells us one thing and one thing only: that there is no power to suspend. It is to appoint, dismiss, and nothing in between," he stated. Arguing for Ramaphosa, Kate Hofmeyr said that the Constitutional Court was the last court of resort, arguing that the MKP had abused the process when it approached the apex court to challenge this matter on an urgent basis. The powers to assign and appoint ministers also lie with the President, who has done right by the Constitution in this regard, she maintained. "Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke out about the monopoly of this court. This court must be concerned about taking this matter. The President has both the powers and an obligation, and he has the right to exercise these powers subject to the strictures of the law," she argued. Advocate Griffiths Madonsela, arguing for Mchunu, said his client was 'ambushed' by Mkhwanazi's accusations. He said the MKP's response to these allegations was to 'draw their spears' and to 'crucify him'. Judgment was reserved. Cape Times
