The Jacob Zuma Foundation has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of breaching the equality clause in the Constitution by overlooking Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya for the position of Chief Justice.
Earlier this year, former President Jacob Zuma approached the High Court in Pretoria in a bid to have Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s appointment reversed.
Ramaphosa appointed Zondo as Chief Justice in April last year following interviews with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The JSC had recommended the then Supreme Court of Appeal Judge President Mandisa Maya for the position.
The recommendation, however, is not binding on the President, who later appointed Maya as the Deputy Chief Justice.
Ramaphosa has filed a notice to oppose the former President’s application to set aside and declare unconstitutional Zondo’s appointment.
Jacob Zuma Foundation Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi says, “The next step in the process will be the compulsory provision of the JSC and Mr Ramaphosa of the record of proceedings and deliberations pertaining to the JSC’s recommendations and the President’s decision.”
He adds: “Mr Ramaphosa will be called upon to dispel the allegation or suspicion that Zondo was being unduly rewarded for absolving him for his role in the Bosasa and CR17 scandal amongst other things in the so-called State Capture Commission Report. He must also explain why he overlooked a woman candidate when she had, in any event, received the highest votes. Such conduct is indeed in breach of the equality clause of the constitution.”
VIDEO: Raymond Zondo appointed as Chief Justice:
