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The African National Congress (ANC) says the Constitutional Court only ruled on the Section 89 matter relating to the processes followed by the National Assembly, not on whether President Cyril Ramaphosa is guilty or not.
The liberation party is currently under immense pressure following the ruling of the apex court that the vote by parliament on the Phala Phala matter was inconsistent with the constitution and invalid. Since then, political parties including Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ANC alliance the South African Communist Party (SACP) amongst others have called for the president’s resignation.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a GNU partner of the ANC said it will vote according to the evidence to be presented at the impeachment committee and that they have no intentions of protecting misconduct or corruption. Based on the evidence, the DA will vote in favour of the impeachment.
The ANC in defence of Ramaphosa, applies the innocent until proven otherwise principle, saying the Constitutional Court did not rule on whether Ramaphosa was guilty or not.
“The ANC notes that the Constitutional Court dealt specifically with the process followed by the National Assembly in relation to the Section 89 panel report and did not make any finding on the guilt or innocence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, nor did it conclude that the President violated the Constitution or committed any wrongdoing. In this regard, the matter before the Court concerned the conduct and processes of Parliament, and not the President or the ANC.
The ANC respects the judgment of the Constitutional Court, the supremacy of the Constitution and the role of Parliament in exercising its oversight responsibilities. The ANC will support the Speaker and the National Assembly in ensuring compliance with the judgment and applicable parliamentary rules. As the movement that fought for and ushered in the democratic Constitution, the ANC remains committed to defending constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the proper functioning of democratic institutions,” said Mahlengi Bhengu, the National Spokesperson of the ANC.
The Presidency has however taken a neutral stance saying they have noted the judgement and that President Ramaphosa respects the rule of law. The Presidency is however mum on the next step to be taken now that the apex court said there is prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa needs to answer to.
“The Presidency has noted the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters challenging the National Assembly’s decision with respect to Section 89 proceedings against the President.
President Cyril Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court’s judgment and reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law. President Ramaphosa has been consistent in providing his full assistance to the various enquiries into this matter.
President Ramaphosa maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice. The President calls on all South Africans to respect the Constitutional Court judgment and all judicial institutions,” said Vincent Magwenya, the Spokesperson to the President.
