WATCH LIVE: Zuma vs Ramaphosa ConCourt procedings
An intense battle is playing out in the Constitutional Court as the MK party and its leader, former president Jacob Zuma, challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This follows Ramaphosa's decision to place Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appoint Wits law professor Feroz Cachalia as acting police minister.
Zuma said Ramaphosa 'openly dodges' the clear distinction between the power to appoint a minister and the different power to appoint an acting minister.
The apex court has agreed to hear the matter on Wednesday, 30 July.
WATCH: MK party vs President Ramaphosa in court
ALSO READ: Zuma takes on Ramaphosa in another ConCourt battle
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Eyewitness News
3 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
ConCourt sets aside five appoinments to the gender commission
CAPE TOWN - Parliament's public participation process has been found wanting by the Constitutional Court, which has set aside five appointments to the Commission of Gender Equality on Friday, including its chairperson and her deputy. Although the appointments were made more than two years ago and their suitability for the posts was not in dispute on Friday, the court said it could not allow the appointments to stand, given the flawed process followed. Parliament has now been given a year to restart the process. In 2022, Corruption Watch challenged the process by the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for inviting public comment on the shortlisted candidates to serve as commissioners on the Commission for Gender Equality. The watchdog complained that 14 days was not enough time to make submissions, which were limited by length and could only be submitted online. The committee also refused to publish detailed information from candidates' CVs, such as their work experience, citing the Protection of Personal Information Act. However, the Constitutional Court said this interpretation of the act was incorrect and rendered the committee's conduct unreasonable. It added that had parliament published the candidates' CVs, the committee would have provided the type of information upon which meaningful and effective public participation could be based. 'Furthermore, even though the commissioners may have met the criteria for appointment, they were not necessarily the only candidates who did so or the most suitable candidates for selection. It follows that the appointment process is unconstitutional and that the appointments of the commissioners are invalid,' reads the unanimous judgment. The court said that although parliament's failures were procedural, with no suggestion that the commissioners did not meet the criteria for appointment, the public interest in a lawful appointment process outweighs the personal interests of the commissioners. The Commissioners could thus have their terms cut short within the next 12 months once a new process has been carried out. The five commissioners affected by this ruling include the chairperson, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, deputy chairperson Prabashni Naidoo, Thando Gumede, Bongani Ngomane, and Leonashia van der Merwe. They were appointed by the president on the recommendation of Parliament, for a five-year term from 1 March 2023.
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Ramaphosa announces urgent measures to shield South African firms from Trump's tariff fallout
This comes after the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition launched an export support desk on Thursday night as one of its 'urgent interventions' to support South African exporters affected by the tariffs. South Africa is preparing a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the US tariffs, after it failed to secure a trade deal with Washington before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump. 'All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US, and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US,' President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement on Friday morning. 'In the meantime, government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US. The details of the measures will be announced in due course,' said Ramaphosa. This comes after the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition launched an export support desk on Thursday night as one of its 'urgent interventions' to support South African exporters affected by the tariffs. On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order placing new tariff rates on dozens of countries, hours before the 1 August 2025 deadline he had set for deals to be made. Some countries received modified tariff rates, while South Africa's remained at the 30% previously proposed by the US. (Source: The Outlier) According to the executive order, the higher import duty rates will take effect seven days from the date of the order. 'All applicable exceptions published in the previous US executive order are set to remain in force, and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy products,' said Ramaphosa. South African officials have been working frantically for months to secure a trade deal with the US to avert Trump's punishing tariffs. South Africa proffered a proposed framework deal to US trade representatives in Washington in May, before Ramaphosa and Trump met at the White House. Representatives were later told they needed to revise this proposal, in accordance with the Trump administration's new template for US trade with sub-Saharan Africa, which they were told would be shared ' soon '. Earlier this week, it appeared the country was still waiting for this template. In his statement, Ramaphosa said the department was in 'constant contact' with the US on its framework deal. He said trade relations between SA and the US were 'complementary in nature' and that South African exports 'do not pose a threat' to US industry. 'South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests. It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world. 'To this end, government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of our economy, and is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US with a view to assist with alternative markets,' he said. Call to renew 'intensive negotiations' Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, the CEO of the Citrus Growers Association, told Daily Maverick the 30% tariff 'will be felt most acutely in rural communities in the Northern and Western Cape, the two provinces from which we export to the US'. Ntshabele said it was still possible to reach a trade deal with the US before 7 August, and called on Ramaphosa to renew 'intensive negotiations'. 'The category of seasonal fresh produce offers clear mutual benefits to both countries. South African citrus is exported to the US during the northern hemisphere's summer months. This secures continued supply in the category and in no way threatens domestic US growers. 'It is notable that Brazilian orange juice has been exempted from US tariffs. Fresh South African citrus plays a significant role in keeping America healthy, keeping citrus consumers in the category, and in avoiding possible citrus price increases. 'We have passed the middle of the southern hemisphere's citrus season, and local citrus growers have managed to accelerate a limited number of shipments to the US in the past weeks, which has mitigated some of the effects of the tariff on the current season's US exports. But should a beneficial trade deal not be concluded, our next export season will feel the full effect of the tariff.' Ntshabele welcomed the department's emergency measures, but said that without a deal, 'Our growers in the Western and Northern Cape will face a potentially devastating scenario, especially since the US citrus market's appetite for our produce until very recently offered the potential for creating many more local citrus jobs.' 'No company can compete with 30% tariffs' The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) on Friday said it was 'extremely concerned' about the impact of the 30% tariff on all South African goods, barring minerals. 'We fear the devastation this will wreak upon farmworkers in the citrus industry from the Western Cape to Limpopo, to motor manufacturing workers from the Eastern Cape to Gauteng. No company can compete with 30% tariffs. Many may close,' said Cosatu in a statement. Daily Maverick reported previously that Trump's punishing tariffs would kneecap South African industries, including the automotive sector and the citrus industry. 'This calamity has been made worse as South Africa has been unfairly made a global skunk with comparatively far better tariffs of 15% announced for neighbouring states, economic sector competitors and most of the world, ironically including many regimes with dubious understandings of the rule of law and real human rights abuses and genocides, who will now have a real advantage over South African exports,' Cosatu added. In a statement on Friday morning, DA spokespersons on Trade, Industry and International Relations, MPs Toby Chance and Ryan Smith, said that the commencement of the 30% tariffs on SA goods was a 'devastating outcome' for the country. 'Both the departments of Trade, Industry and Competition, and International Relations and Cooperation should hang their heads in profound shame today. This 'no deal' scenario is due to sheer negligence, failed diplomacy and ineptitude,' they said. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber said that the imposition of the 30% tariffs was a 'big blow for local businesses, especially in the automotive and agricultural sectors'. 'The Eastern Cape economy is likely to be the most adversely affected in the country by these developments. 'We are deeply concerned about the impact these developments may have on our automotive industry, which is anchored by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) which undertake completely knocked down assembly in South Africa. These OEMs are responsible for creating well over a 100,000 jobs at their own operations and within their components supplier networks. 'Furthermore it is estimated that the knock-on employment impact of these OEMs and components manufacturers results in over 500,000 formal jobs being created across the entire automotive supply chain. Around 40% of automotive employment in the country is located in the Eastern Cape,' the chamber said in a statement. DM
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Cyril Ramaphosa replaces Senzo Mchunu with new Minister of Police
Professor Firoz Cachalia has been sworn in as the new Minister of Police during ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. 'In terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint the following person as Minister for the portfolio indicated in the signed President's Act. The said Minister-Designate, who is about to become Minister, is Professor Firoz Cachalia… (sic),' said President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ceremony. The swearing in follows President Ramaphosa's announcement last month that he had placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The affirmation was administered by Acting Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba, following Cachalia's appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The President further announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi had raised concerns about an alleged criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures. He also accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. Director-General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni, who spoke at the swearing-in, congratulated the newly appointed Minister. 'Minister, we congratulate you on your appointment and wish you much success in your duties and endeavours to make South Africa and the world a better place for all,' Baleni said. Addressing members of the media after the ceremony, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns regarding the seeming duplication in the police ministry. 'I know there is a technicality about seeming to have two Ministers in the same portfolio, and that is a matter I do believe is going to be resolved within a short space of time. 'I directed the commission [of inquiry] to complete its work as quickly as possible, so whatever confusion there might be is going to be of a short duration. I expect a report from the commission within three months and if they have to ask for an extension, we will give consideration to that. 'I do want this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible but at the same time, we have had to provide leadership to the police service. We can't leave a vacuum. Whilst all of this is happening, Minister Mchunu is on leave while this matter is being resolved, and he is preparing himself, as I hear, to appear before the commission,' the President said. Speaking to the media about his new role, Cachalia said he had not yet had an opportunity to meet with the President but had been informed that the first Cabinet meeting would take place on Wednesday, and he assumed the President would engage with him in due course. Cachalia assured the public that he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the role and is committed to prioritising their safety and security. 'I don't think there are any specific fears going into this portfolio. I understand the moment the country is in and the weight of the responsibility that I have, together with the others in government. I want to assure the public that their safety and security is uppermost in my mind. That's what I am going to focus on, and I hope that I will be able to take the country forward,' he said. Responding to a question on whether he supports the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Cachalia said he would comment after meeting with National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Thursday next week. 'I don't think it will be appropriate for me to comment on that without having the benefit of a discussion with him,' he said. Cachalia also touched on his dual role as chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council, whose term ends at the end of the month. 'I do think that my appointment as a Minister of this portfolio, while I am still the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council – the term of which expires at the end of this month… I am now in a better position than I was as chairperson to take the recommendations of the Council forward, and I will certainly be doing so.' Cachalia said he would ask the National Commissioner, during their upcoming meeting, to arrange a session between the Anti-Corruption Council and the police management team to discuss the Council's recommendations, adding that it is his intention to work closely with the Minister of Justice, as the recommendations impact both their portfolios. 'We will together be in a much better position going forward to take those recommendations forward. The recommendations that the Council has made are the ones I am committed to fully implementing,' Cachalia said. On when he will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to meet with General Mkhwanazi, Cachalia said the visit will depend on his discussion with the National Commissioner. 'As the national Minister, I have to visit all the provinces – in what sequence and with what priorities in mind, that still has to be determined. So, I will answer that question in the coming days,' he said. Minister Cachalia vowed to work hard and remain focused on his responsibilities despite the challenges surrounding his appointment. 'I will work hard. I am not distracted by the noise, and I am not driven by political ambition. I have been given a task. I am going to tackle the task without fear or favour, subject of course to the President's guidance and direction as a member of the Cabinet,' the Minister said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
