Safrica’s Ramaphosa wins court case against anti-graft watchdog

JOHANNESBURG: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa won a court case against the anti-corruption watchdog on Thursday over a matter concerning ally Pravin Gordhan, ahead of a fresh battle over findings against the president himself.

A high court judge found that Ramaphosa had acted reasonably in not immediately disciplining Gordhan, the public enterprises minister, over a decision regarding the retirement of a tax official in 2010.

Thursday’s ruling was the third high-profile court defeat for Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane in as many weeks, potentially undermining the credibility of her investigations, including one into Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa secured an “interdict” from the court, meaning he does not have to implement disciplinary action against Gordhan while Gordhan appeals against the finding by Mkhwebane.

By targeting Ramaphosa and Gordhan, the president’s supporters say, Mkhwebane is acting as a proxy for a faction in the ruling African National Congress party that is aligned with former president Jacob Zuma and opposes Ramaphosa’s agenda.

Mkhwebane denies playing politics, saying she is simply holding senior officials to account.

Last week another ruling also spared Gordhan from disciplinary action while he appeals a different finding against him by Mkhwebane.

On Thursday the judge criticised Mkhwebane for again pushing for Gordhan to be disciplined before his appeal against the public protector’s findings could be heard.

The Public Protector’s Head of Legal, Alfred Mhlongo, said the watchdog would consider the ruling and its options.