South African court hears case against president

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela was among those present ahead of Tuesday’s Constitutional Court cases against President Jacob Zuma, that challenge him for not implementing remedial actions contained within her Nkandla report entitled “Secure in Comfort”.

The Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance and civil society groups will be presenting legal arguments in their bid to hold President Zuma accountable in respect of the Public Protector’s findings on Nkandla.

The EFF and the DA argue that the issue is not about the money, but about clarity on whether the Public Protector’s recommendations are binding. Both the EFF and the DA dismissed the proposal shortly afterwards. Corruption Watch has joined as a friend of the court.

Congress of the People spokesperson Dennis Bloem said the Constitutional Court matter was of pivotal importance to South Africa. The EFF has said that he must also admit he violated his oath of office by failing to protect state assets, according to papers the party submitted to the court.

“It has to do with the centrality of the Constitution in the governance of South Africa and the vital role of chapter nine institutions”. The parties want the court to make a ruling on Madonsela’s powers.

In a surprising move last week, Zuma offered to pay a portion of the money, the sum of which would be determined with the help of the Auditor General and the Treasury.

EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu and former prosecutor and now DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach were among the first to arrive to take their seats in the court.