MK Party criticises ConCourt over executive accountability

The MK Party has accused the Constitutional Court of failing to hold the executive accountable.

Earlier today, the Constitutional Court dismissed the party’s urgent application challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Justice Rammaka Steven Mathopo, ruled that the case did not fall within the court’s exclusive jurisdiction.

Mathopo says the MK Party failed to adequately explain why they did not pursue the matter against Ramaphosa in the High Court before approaching it.

The party led by former president, Jacob Zuma, is challenging Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave; they are also challenging the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia, as the acting Police Minister.

The move by the President was fueled by KZN Police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive revelations of alleged corruption within the police force.

Mkhwanazi implicated several top officials, including Mchunu, former Police Minister Bheki Cele and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.

Ramaphosa then established the multi-million rand Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is currently in motion.

The MK Party believes that the commission is a wasteful drain on the public purse, saying the recent adjournment proves its inefficiency.

They are also challenging the legitimacy and intent of the commission.

“A commission of inquiry is not and has never been an instrument of accountability to the people. It is a political tool of the Executive to shield itself from accountability, a grotesque contradiction in a constitutional democracy.”

The MK Party’s national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, says the party remains relentless in its fight to hold the President accountable.

Ndhlela has argued that the same court was able to hold Zuma accountable, however alleges that they struggle to take Ramaphosa on.