Viva! Reaction, Tweets, Memes Come in on ConCourt Ruling Against Zuma
Political parties and politicians (and everyone with a Twitter account in South Africa) was quick to react to the Constitutional Court’s judgement against President Jacob Zuma and the National Assembly for failing to hold Zuma accountable, as well as the highest court’s insistence that the public protector was there to protect the constitution and the […]
Political parties and politicians (and everyone with a Twitter account in South Africa) was quick to react to the Constitutional Court’s judgement against President Jacob Zuma and the National Assembly for failing to hold Zuma accountable, as well as the highest court’s insistence that the public protector was there to protect the constitution and the people of South Africa against corruption.
Among the first to react were the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance, who both brought sections of the case against Zuma, and both won.
Economic Freedom Fighters The EFF has claimed the ConCourt ruling as an EFF victory. At a press briefing on Thursday, EFF leader Julius Malema said that Zuma and others in the ANC were in thrall of the Gupta family – he used the word Zumbis, which seems to be a concoction of Zuptas and Zombies – and said that on Zuma’s recent trip to Dubai he had taken R6 billion for the Zuptas. Why was Zuma on an apparent trip to promote tourism without the tourism minister, he asked. Malema said people should take to the streets to demand Zuma’s resignation, and should call for an early election.
Democratic Alliance “Following today’s judgement by the Constitutional Court in the much anticipated Nkandla matter, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially begun the process to impeach President Jacob Zuma, in terms of Section 89(1) of the Constitution.
“This pivotal judgment confirms the DA’s long held contention that President Zuma seriously violated the Constitution when he sought to undermine the Public Protector’s remedial actions by instituting parallel investigative processes, and his subsequent failure to implement her remedial action.”
The public protector Thuli Madonsela said that the ruling of the Constitutional Court was one that lawyers would cherish for a long time to come. She also said the Nkandla case was a blessing in a way because it gave the public protector’s office a chance to test itself.
The presidency (according to a BBC report) “President Jacob Zuma has noted and respects the judgement handed down by the Constitutional Court and its findings relating to the Public Protector Report on Nkandla, the President’s homestead.
“The President will reflect on the judgement and its implications on the state and government, and will in consultation with other impacted institutions of state determine the appropriate action.”
The African National Congress said in a statement that it “has noted and respects the unanimous judgement delivered by the Constitutional Court today in the matter relating to compliance with remedial action set out in a report of the Public Protector.
“The Constitutional Court is and remains the guardian of the Constitution of the Republic and the final arbiter on matters before it, hence the ANC welcomes the clarity provided by the Court on the binding nature of the powers of the Public Protector. The ANC once again reaffirms our full confidence in the judiciary and the upholding rule of law in South Africa. Given the serious nature of the judgement delivered, the African National Congress will study it in detail and comment further in due course.”
Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga: “This is a great day for SA.”
Redi Tlhabi of 702: “It’s a bittersweet moment in the history of South Africa. Sweet victory for the law, bitter about Number 1 not abiding by the laws of the country!”
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa was quoted saying Zuma has been handed a red card and must immediately leave the field of play.
Mosiua Lekota, leader of the Congress of the People: “We feel absolutely vindicated… Whether our democracy survives or not depends on this case.”
SAPeople columnist Purely Pip: “Viva EFF UDM DA ADP COPE CoSATU and every political voice that has the guts and integrity to stop the rot. Let the good men and women of the ANC, long sidelined, threatened and silenced by ZANC stand up and be counted. Viva. Our freedoms cannot be horse traded. Our democracy cannot be sold. The South African people will prevail.”
SAPeople comment from Valerie Ross: “Justice will prevail. Thanks to the good people that designed the SA Constitution and the wonderful people that have the guts to stand up to corruption. It is the instrument by which the corrupt ministers will be taken down eventually. Not through fighting or demonstrations but through the legal system.”
SAPeople comment from Sfiso Mshengu: “It would be impractical for either the Anc or Mr President himself to simply expect the whole nation to dance around his tune when he has this shame painted in his face. he must just resign.”