MK Party sends legal letter to Ramaphosa over two acting police ministers
Image: Independent Media
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) says South African taxpayers cannot afford to pay for two ministers in one portfolio as it accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of of violating his oath of office and failing to uphold the Constitution as required by that office.
This was after Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister.
MKP leader, Jacob Zuma, has also given Ramaphosa until 10am on Friday, August 8, to resign.
In a letter dated August 4, Zuma said he will take action against Ramaphosa if he fails to adhere to the demand.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said they were aware of the letter.
'The legal team will deal with that letter,' he said.
The letter from KMNS attorneys, who act on behalf of Zuma, comes after the Constitutional Court last week dismissed the MKP's application to have a direct access to challenge Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave of absence, appointing Cachalia as acting police minister and establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the corruption allegations in the police and judiciary.
'Various reasons have been offered in respect of the decisions which were impugned by our client and uMkhonto weSizwe Party in the Constitutional Court which found that it lacked exclusive jurisdiction and/or has no basis to grant the requested direct access.
"As a result, our client has or sought urgent advice on possibly taking the relevant dispute(s) to the High Court and/or any other appropriate forum. It is assumed that you stand by the reasons previously given for the decisions announced on 13 July 2025,' reads the letter.
The party's spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela added: ' The judges did not want to take a decision knowing exactly that the MK Party has a strong case. By placing Mchunu on leave of absence and appointing Cachalia as an acting police minister, the country is having two ministers of police. Both ministers are acting.'
Zuma, who said he is a concerned citizen, a voter and a former President, also demanded the date and time when Ramaphosa decided to place Mchunu on leave of absence and the decision to appoint Cachalia as acting police minister, as well as their current positions.
'When exactly (date and time) was your decision to place Minister Mchunu on leave of absence taken? When exactly (date and time ) was your decision to appoint Professor Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police (was) taken, communicated to him and to the public?
'What exactly is a 'Minister Designate', from a constitutional point of view? Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony (i.e. from around 9:30am on 1 August 2025), what was the exact correct description of Professor Cachalia? Was he a minister, acting minister or minister designate? What is the present, correct, full and official description of Mr. Senzo Mchunu? If the answers are the same, for how long is it envisaged that South Africa will have and pay for two Ministers of Police at the same time?' Zuma asks in the letter.
He also wanted to know Ramaphosa's reasons for not dismissing Mchunu based on the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that Mchunu had ties to criminal gangs and meddled in police investigations into politically motivated murders.
Zuma also wanted to know what is the public benefit in having two ministers of police, adding that one is active, while the other one is on leave.
'What were the reasons why one of the 2 (two) Deputy Ministers of Police was not promoted to the position of Acting/Minister of Police as you did, for example, with Deputy Minister (Buti) Manamela who was subsequently promoted to Minister of Higher Education? What are the estimated costs to the taxpayers for the failure to act in a similar or consistent manner?'
He said irrespective of the answers Ramaphosa might give, his conduct to place Mchunu on leave and appoint Cachalia remain illegal, irrational and unconstitutional.
'With the publicly available information as well as the pleadings and deliberations in the recent Constitutional Court proceedings, our client is of the view that, irrespective of any answers you might give to the above list of questions, the impugned conduct remains illegal and irrational and unconstitutional.'
'It may have been further compounded by the events which occurred between July 13 2025 and August 1, 2025 and which have a continuing adverse impact on the South African citizens and taxpayers, including our client,' the letter read, adding that Ramaphosa should withdraw his decision to place Mchunu on leave and the appointment of Cachalia.
'Due to the obvious urgency and importance of the issues raised above, these demands must be fulfilled immediately but by no later than 10h00 on Friday, August 8 2025, failing which all our client's rights are reserved, including the right to urgently approach the courts for appropriate relief, without any further notice to you.'
[email protected]
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa faces economic repercussions from new US tariffs
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has expressed deep concern over the impending 30% import tariff that the United States plans to impose on certain South African exports, effective from August 7. Image: IOL Graphics/Se-Anne Rall The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has expressed deep concern over the impending 30% import tariff that the United States plans to impose on certain South African exports, effective from August 7. This significant development has raised red flags about the potential repercussions for key sectors of the South African economy. During a recent meeting in June, the committee engaged with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to assess the state of South Africa's trading relationship with the US, as well as with other international partners. The newly announced US tariffs, which will affect multiple countries alongside South Africa, have serious implications for strategic sectors such as automotive, agriculture—particularly citrus—and steel, all integral to South Africa's economic fabric and job market. Historically, South Africa has enjoyed a robust trade relationship with the United States, which stands as the country's second-largest trading partner. In 2024, South African exports to the US accounted for approximately 8% of the nation's total global exports, valued at around R156.6 billion. This export composition is telling, with around 43% comprising manufactured products, predominantly autos and vehicle components, alongside mining commodities (50%) and agricultural goods (7%). 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 ✕ As the largest importer of US goods in sub-Saharan Africa, the South African economy has been bolstered by mutual trade benefits, generating a trade surplus with imports valued at about R120.2 billion in 2024. This partnership has fostered an environment where over 600 US companies, including prominent names like Ford, Coca-Cola, and Google, operate in South Africa, contributing to job creation on both sides: 132,000 jobs in South Africa and 7,000 in the US from South African corporations. In light of the new tariffs, the committee has raised alarms regarding the direct impact on the competitiveness of South African exports. The additional tariff will likely inflate prices for South African goods in the US market, potentially eroding demand and disrupting established value chains. Such changes could lead to declines in local production and significant job losses if alternative markets cannot be secured. There is also concern over how the tariffs may alter the current composition of South African exports. With approximately 43% of South African goods destined for the US being manufactured products, any reductions in this sector could pose severe challenges, especially when compared to the 38.7% of global exports that consist of manufactured goods. To mitigate these risks, South Africa recently introduced the 'Butterfly Strategy,' aimed at fostering industrialisation and diversifying trade partnerships. Key components of this strategy include a focus on product and market diversification, enhanced trade negotiations, and streamlined protocols to adapt to global challenges. The committee, alongside the government, urges renewed negotiations with the US, emphasising the crucial need for a viable trade and investment agreement to tackle ongoing issues.
The Citizen
8 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
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Afrikaner refugee reveals car wash job: 'Be prepared to work!'
Afrikaner 'refugee' Errol Langton has advised South Africans hoping to resettle in the US to accept low-paying jobs. He's also warned them not to have unrealistic expectations about their new lives abroad. The IT business owner and part-time 'leafy green farmer' swapped his life in Johannesburg to live in Birmingham, Alabama. He now works at a local car wash. Langton was amongst the first group of white South Africans who applied for the refugee resettlement programme. In February, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order, granting refuge to Afrikaners or 'minorities', over his claims of 'racial discrimination' and 'persecution' in South Africa. Speaking in an interview with US intelligence expert Chris Wyatt, Errol Langton revealed that he had taken a job at a local car wash in Birmingham. Langton, who owned an IT business in South Africa, advised fellow refugee applicants to 'come over and be prepared to work.' He said, 'Take what you can get now and work on what you want later. Don't get here and want the $50-an-hour job; take the $15-an-hour job so that you can get on your feet. 'Take the low-paying job to start with and then build to what you want. I promise you, in a year's time, you will be there.' Errol Langton stated that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had given resettled refugees a 'starter loan' and aid to get on their feet. Several of his family members had already secured jobs just days into their stay, he claimed. He continued: 'If you play the victim card, you will not fit in. You will not be a part of society. 'It's not discrediting what has happened to you. If you get that out of your system and show that you've taken the opportunity that you've been given, and you go work hard on it, you can open any door. The opportunities are endless.' He also warned South African 'refugees' not to expect the same lifestyle in the US either. He said, 'There is nobody to clean up after you. If you make a mess, you clean it up. 'I don't care if you're 18 or 80, if you've got to do something, you do it. You can pay someone else to do it, but that is going to cost you'. According to various immigration and recruitment agencies, South African migrants flock to countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, the US, and New Zealand. These first-world countries offer the prospects of high living standards, thriving economies and job markets, and communities of South African expats. For immigrants, or refugees, there is a high demand for skilled labour in sectors like engineering, construction, IT, healthcare, finance, and education. 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.
