President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally responded to former president Jacob Zuma’s demands regarding the recent appointment of an acting police minister, dismissing the claims and refusing to step down as threatened.
Zuma, through his lawyers, had questioned the legality of placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointing Wits law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister. He demanded clarity on the timing and constitutional validity of the appointment, asking whether Cachalia was a “minister,” “acting minister,” or “minister designate” after his swearing-in.
Zuma also gave Ramaphosa until Friday morning to resign or face legal action—a demand that followed his and the MK Party’s failed Constitutional Court bid to challenge the same matter. The court dismissed their application, saying it lacked jurisdiction.
In his response, Ramaphosa stated that some answers were already publicly available, while others should be pursued through proper parliamentary channels. He pointed out that, as the leader of the MK Party, Zuma could use National Assembly procedures to submit questions to the president.
The president firmly rejected Zuma’s ultimatum, standing by his decisions as lawful and constitutionally sound. He indicated that any legal challenge from Zuma and the MK Party would be opposed.
Zuma is expected to address the media later on Friday regarding the MK Party’s latest developments, where he may respond to Ramaphosa’s rebuttal.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two leaders, with Zuma continuing to challenge Ramaphosa’s authority while the presidency maintains that due process was followed.