Zuma's lawyers accuse Ramaphosa of abusing Constitution
Zuma and his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have taken Ramaphosa to court over his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appointing Firoz Cachalia as acting minister.
The MK Party also wants the institution of a judicial commission of inquiry set aside.
Zuma's lawyers have argued that another commission of inquiry and having two police ministers is not in the best interest of the country.
"The problem with this president is he literally wants to do what is called have your cake and eat it too. So, he wants to appoint Professor Cachalia and he wants to save Minister Mchunu... this whole maneuver is about that. How do I save my friend and close political ally, give him a salary for the next three years, five years, God knows for how long, while he's doing nothing," Dali Mpofu said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa seeks apartheid damages case delay, but victims' families argue perpetrators are dying
The court was told that the government's interest lies in uncovering the truth. President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to stay a damages case brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. However, lawyers for the applicants have warned that the alleged perpetrators are old and dying. The legal action, initiated by 25 families and survivors of apartheid victims – including relatives of the Cradock Four – seeks R167 million in constitutional damages. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa launches commission of inquiry into apartheid-era justice delays The applicants accuse the government of blocking the investigation and prosecution of murder cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Ramaphosa has since established a commission of inquiry chaired by retired judge Sisi Khampepe to investigate the lack of prosecutions. Ramaphosa urges court to delay apartheid damages case On Wednesday, Advocate Timothy Bruinders, representing Ramaphosa and government, argued in court that the commission should be allowed to complete its work before the damages case proceeds. 'There was notice put out by judge Khampepe in which she set out what the progress will be over the next month. 'I think she has just started work on it so it's settled that there is a commission,' he told the court. Bruinders pointed out that both the TRC and the families had previously called for the establishment of such a commission to investigate the apartheid-era crimes. 'The reason for the commission of inquiry is because the facts are as yet unknown,' he said. ALSO READ: Mbeki accused of trying to save his reputation by intervening in apartheid lawsuit Judge Nicolene Janse van Nieuwenhuizen, however, raised a concern about whether it was not the applicants' prerogative to go ahead or withdraw their case. Bruinders responded that the case relied on the commission's findings in order for the court to make a ruling on damages. He argued that former National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli did not provide enough detail to conclude that interference occurred in one of the TRC cases. 'One could conclude from that there was an attempted interference.' Watch the case below: Bruinders added that the government and president sympathise with the families. 'They don't have closure. As they say, the prosecutions haven't happened. 'This is of concern to any government who cares about its citizens and those who died in fighting for what he ultimately sees now in the Constitution.' He emphasised that the government's interest lies in uncovering the truth. 'It is not to fight the families on procedural matters. One can imagine how that would go down politically. I do not think it would go down very well.' Victims' families demand justice Later, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson – representing the families – criticised the government's request to the court to delay the damages case, particularly as it had years to establish the commission. 'The applicants are seeking justice for crimes that were committed 30 and 35 years ago. That's the period we are dealing with. 'The perpetrators of these crimes have either already died or are dying at a rapid rate,' he said, pointing out that most suspects are now likely in their 70s. Chaskalson told the court that the applicants themselves are aging and that some have already died. 'They do not have time to wait indefinitely for the commission of inquiry to report and for relief to be recommended,' the lawyer said, adding that the applicants are entitled to their day in court while they are still alive. He further argued that commissions of inquiry have a tendency to 'drag on and on'. 'It is an extraordinarily optimistic proposition to put forward the idea that this commission will be able to do a thorough job on its investigation and report in four months' time, which is all it has left of the originally six months.' The court has reserved the judgment. NOW READ: Khampepe Commission is the right platform for Mbeki, Mabandla to tell their story, court rules
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma scoffs at Trump's handling of Africa
Former African Union (AU) Commission chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has expressed her disappointment and frustration with United States President Donald Trump. Image: Timothy Bernard Former African Union (AU) Commission chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has expressed her disappointment and frustration with United States President Donald Trump's approach towards Africa and South Africa. Jarring for her was Trump's assertion that there was a "white genocide" in the country, his trade demands and bid to recolonise the continent. Pretoria's relationship with Washington deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed office in January. Absent a trade deal, certain South African exports face the imposition of 30% tariffs, the highest for any sub-Saharan African nation, starting tomorrow. The development follows months of heightened tensions concerning various domestic and international policies. In addition to disputes over various issues, such as South Africa's accusation of genocide against Israel in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, Washington expelled Pretoria's ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March after he criticised Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. According to Dlamini-Zuma, Trump is a "difficult person" who seems to prioritise American interests over global cooperation. Dlamini-Zuma referenced Trump's past comments on Africa, stating, "You must remember what he said in his first campaign before his first term…He said Africa needs to be recolonised. So what do we expect?" She emphasised the importance of African unity, saying if Africa was united, it would not be possible that Africa becomes recolonised. Dlamini-Zuma also criticised Trump's narrative on white genocide in South Africa, calling it "deliberate misinformation". She pointed out that crime was a significant issue in South Africa, but there was no evidence to support the claim of genocide against white people. "If you look at the statistics, it is the black people who die more, every time the statistics are given," she said. Dlamini-Zuma stressed Africa's need to collaborate and promote its interests. She advocated for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and economic growth. "We need to work together and that's why we want an Africa continental free trade so that we must trade amongst ourselves and promote each other's interests," she said. She further emphasised the importance of empowering youth and women in Africa's development. She called on governments and stakeholders to provide accessible education and skills training, stating, "Young people have the right to education, and they must actively pursue it". She also urged young Africans to engage in sectors such as mineral processing and the ocean economy to drive sustainable growth. Dlamini-Zuma highlighted the need for Africa to decolonise its mindsets and prioritise inclusive development. "If we do not, we remain colonised," she said, emphasising the importance of self-determination and African-led development. As a pan-Africanist, Dlamini-Zuma said she was committed to promoting African development and restoring the continent's history. She also took the opportunity to announce the NDZ foundation-the Africa we want, saying the new organisation was in the pipeline and was meant to engage on issues on the African agenda. It is expected to be launched by the end of the year. International Relations expect Dr Noluthando Phungula mirrored Dlamini Zuma's views about Trump's attitude towards Africa and South Africa. 'Trump has been clear from the onset about his policy position. He is clear on putting America first, so it is quite disingenuous for South Africa or Africa to pull the humanity card when dealing with Trump." She described bilateral relations between Washington and Pretoria as a political drama. 'The Trump administration is at odds with Pretoria's prominent position in the International Court of Justice's case against Israel, which stands accused of genocide in Gaza,' Phungula said.
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Ministers under fire for tardy replies to parliamentary questions
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi as well as her Social Development counterpart Sisisi Tolashe are the latest ministers to find themselves having to explain themselves to MPs why they fail to provide responses to written questions within stipulated timelines. Image: Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Minister are blaming the long time it takes to compile responses to written parliamentary questions for their delayed responses. This happens as parliamentarians are taking some ministers to task for failing to respond to written questions within the stipulated 10 days and the 10-day additional time. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi as well as her Social Development counterpart Sisisi Tolashe are the latest to find themselves having to explain themselves to MPs, instead of being reprimanded in the sitting of parliamentary session when found to be on the wrong side of the rules. DA MP Janho Engelbrecht asked Kubayi to provide the reasons for not responding to his questions published on April 25 within the period stipulated by parliamentary rules. In her response, Kubayi said she took her responsibilities and accountability very seriously. 'I am aware of the Rule 145(5) which stipulates that Parliamentary Questions should be responded to within 10 working days. 'I would like to confirm that the reply was submitted to Parliament on 22 May 2025, however, due to the process of sourcing the required information as well ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the response, as a result, the tabling of the said reply was delayed,' she said. ActionSA MP Dereleen James enquired from Tolashe why she provided a reply to her written question only as late as 10 March, which was 12 working days from when the reply should have been provided. James asked whether Tolashe has found that her failure to respond within the stipulated time frame undermined parliamentary accountability and oversight as provided for in the rules of the National Assembly and the provisions of the Constitution. Tolashe said the delay with regards to the James' response was regretted and she apologised. She said the question required very extensive and detailed answers as it dealt with expenditures, to ensure that little or no mistake was committed. 'The nature of the question that the honourable member asked requires that we reconcile different records of all expenditures so that we can give an accurate account. The other issues were that (the) honourable member will realise that most of the officials are still new in the organisation; to recognise the need for asking for an extension while we compile her responses,' she said. This development comes as Parliament published a report of outstanding parliamentary questions for both and written reply on August 1. The report is prepared for submission to Leader of Government Business, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, to take up the non-compliance with affected ministers. It shows that a total of 3,282 written questions were asked as at May 30. At least 323 written questions were not responded to as at August 1.
