ANC protests against ‘judicial overreach’ by courts
SOUTH Africa’s courts should not be used to fulfil agendas or as mechanisms for opposition parties which were unable to resolve their issues politically, according to the ANC chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala.
Zikalala, who is also the province’s MEC for economic development, spoke outside the Durban High Court yesterday after an ANC march protesting what it termed “judicial overreach” and the “frivolous” use of the country’s courts by opposition parties.
Joining Zikalala was KZN premier and ANC deputy provincial chairperson Willies Mchunu, Durban mayor Zandile Gumede, who is also the chairperson of the ANC in the eThekwini region, and religious leaders.
Police said about 1 000 ANC supporters took part in the march. “We see opposition parties in Parliament using the courts to oppose things they failed to resolve using political means, undermining parliamentary procedure,” Zikalala said.
“There is a growing observable trend by the courts to act and play a big brother role where in some cases – it’s not many cases – the courts find themselves encroaching (on) the terrain of other organs,” he said. “The courts are encroaching on the political side as if they have greater powers than Parliament,” he said.
“If courts continue on this path, they will undermine our democracy. For that reason, the judgement by Judge Valli must be reversed and the judge must be recalled, because he shows that some judges have political leanings which they use to make unfair decisions. The findings of the judge in favour of the DA (Democratic Alliance) have disgusted and upset us,” said Zikalala.
Judge Bashier Valli last week ordered that president Jacob Zuma reveal the reasons and record of decision he used in firing former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas. The application was brought by the DA.
Yesterday, the Constitutional Court debated whether the constitution allows Parliament to use a secret ballot in a motion of no confidence in Zuma. The motion was called after Zuma fired Gordhan and Jonas, followed by rating agencies downgrading the country to junk status. – ANA