Phosa calls for debate on change
ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa has called for a robust public debate on the constitution – but cautioned against changing it for “narrow or political interests”.
“No constitution is absolute… I am deeply concerned, however, that as these debates define their own priority in the public mind, we run the danger of taking our eye off critical post-liberation priorities,” Phosa said yesterday.
Phosa, who was addressing delegates at the National Wool Growers’ Association of SA in Port Elizabeth, was referring to the quandaries around service delivery, healthcare and education besetting the ANC-led government.
There have been concerns that the ANC, and President Jacob Zuma, in particular, would be the biggest beneficiary if the ANC succeeded in its intention to change the constitution.
A recently released draft ANC policy document said “elements” of the constitution could be reviewed because they “may be an impediment to social and economic transformation”. And in February, Zuma controversially called for the powers of the Constitutional Court to be reviewed.
Phosa noted that the constitution had been amended many times where it was found to be “lacking in clarity, scope or detail”.
He said while the debates about changing the constitution would help strengthen it and give it validity, such deliberations should not be done for narrow political ambitions.
“It was drafted by humans, and it is human to err… (However) we sometimes get carried away with debates that seem critical to our survival in the moment…”
Phosa and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale were reportedly fingered by suspended crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli as being part of the senior ANC leaders plotting to oust Zuma.
Phosa advocated for constitutional changes that are channelled at improving the livelihood of citizens and race relations.
“Personally, I would want to see more debates about the further improvement of our education and health services, better service delivery at local (government) level, and the practical implementation of the Mandela vision for nationbuilding,” he said.