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While many, including analysts and opposition parties, responded to the statement, the ANC had not disclosed an official position on the matter, until today.
FILE: Former President Jacob Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa in a debate at the ANC’s national policy conference in Nasrec on June 30, 2017. Image: Thomas Holder / Eyewitness News.
JOHANNESBURG – The president of the African National Congress (ANC), Cyril Ramaphosa, responded to his predecessor’s statement that he planned to challenge a Constitutional Court decision to appear and testify in the state’s capture investigation.
Ramaphosa answered questions about the matter on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to the family of late fighting heroine Rebecca Kotane, who died Sunday at age 108.
Former President Jacob Zuma released a lengthy statement, saying that he would no longer cooperate with the state apprehension commission as long as it was chaired by Supreme Court Vice President Raymond Zondo and that he was prepared to be arrested and go to prison.
He said he would not go to commission, as ordered by the highest court in the country.
Last week, the court ordered Zuma to appear and testify before the state’s arrest commission of inquiry on dates determined by the state.
While many, including analysts and opposition parties, responded to this, the ANC had not taken an official position on the matter, until today.
“I saw it as something that is in process. He has expressed his own thoughts and views that he does not want to go to the commission. But this is a matter that I am sure he will think a lot more because he has been advised by various people and various organizations on the need to consider the constitutional structure to which he contributed so much, “Ramaphosa told reporters on Friday.
“And I’m sure that in your own mind, and in your own time, you will think about all of this. I would like to say that we give former President Jacob Zuma time to think about this and also to listen to what other people are saying. Considering this. I’m sure he will come to a conclusion. “
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Cyril Ramaphosa #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 5, 2021
When asked if the party would suspend Zuma for his plans to challenge the ConCourt, Ramaphosa said this was not something that was on the table.
“That is really getting ahead of something that is not even being considered. Those who are saying something are speaking for themselves. That is not something that is being considered at the moment.
“All of us, we need time to reflect and think about this. And in life, it is always better to think about matters carefully and deeply before jumping to hasty conclusions. Hasty conclusions have nothing to do with the reality of our Constitution. “, said. said.
Earlier this week, ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule seemed more sympathetic to Zuma, telling reporters when he visited Kotane’s home that Zuma should be left alone and accusing those who called for him to be disciplined and kept away. of the ANC to be populist.
When asked if any party members would meet with Zuma to try to convince him to cooperate with the commission, Ramaphosa replied: “All of these matters are options that can be considered. Let us see how the matter develops as we move forward.”
RAMAPHOSA RESPONDS TO THE CORRUPTION REPORT
In response to a report by _Mail and Guardian _ that the Hawks were investigating the president for corruption, which the Hawks have said is not true, Ramaphosa said he was confident there was no evidence linking him to allegations of corruption and theft. .
According to the publication, the investigation was related to the testimony of the former head of Eskom, Brian Molefe, in the State Capture Commission.
Molefe blamed Ramaphosa for some of the state entity’s financial problems, the president said.
sold to Eskom and the country for personal gain through its support of mining giant Glencore.
“These things happen. Anyone can go to any police station and press charges. In the end, it really depends on whether they have real evidence. I think there is no real evidence and what people want are things that are just going to happen,” he said. President.
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