THE ANC has distanced itself from former president Jacob Zuma’s hysterical and unhinged attacks on the judiciary and the courts, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday.
Zuma and his supporters in the ANC have been vocal in their disapproval of the courts, with the former president even defying a Constitutional Court order to return to the state capture inquiry and appear before Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Ramaphosa made the announcement following the conclusion of the party’s National Executive Committee meeting.
“While no arm of the state is above criticism, the ANC distances itself from attacks on the judiciary that seek to undermine its legitimacy and impugn its decisions. Our Constitution provides sufficient safeguards against the abuse of power by any arm of the state, and any person who has evidence of any misdemeanour or abuse should make use of the available remedies,” said Ramaphosa.
“The NEC reaffirmed the decision of its 54th National Conference to support the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture. It therefore reiterated its support for the work of the Zondo Commission and called on all ANC members and supporters –and indeed all members of society– to assist the commission in its work. Several ANC leaders have made or are scheduled to make submissions to the Commission. President Cyril Ramaphosa will be appearing before the Commission on 22 23 April in his capacity as the current ANC President and former ANC Deputy President.”
Ramaphosa himself is expected to appear before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture later in April, and used this opportunity to once again endorse it.
“The NEC views its submission as necessary to the work of the commission and important for the broader work to confront state capture and ensure that such activities are never allowed to happen in our country again,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that anyone with evidence of judicial abuse should make use of available remedies.
- Inside Metros