Author: Associated Press Commentary | 11/23/2016 2:55:53 PM
South Africa
March 31, 2016
South Africa Rulers – “ I told you So”
The replacement is better?
“South Africa’s Top Court Rules President “Failed to Uphold” the Constitution”
By Associated Press Published March 31, 2016
JOHANNESBURG — For two years, South Africa's president brushed off a scandal over state spending on his private home, even when critics scoffed at the notion that a swimming pool and a chicken run were necessary security features. It took the country's highest court to bring him to account.
South African President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the constitution when he didn't pay back some of the more than $20 million in state funds used to upgrade his rural home, South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled unanimously on Thursday.
The ruling could significantly weaken the leader, who is fending off multiple accusations of alleged misconduct at the highest levels of government, though he still retained the support of powerful factions in his party, the African National Congress.
Until now, Zuma's political career has survived a string of scandals — from his acquittal for rape in 2006 to the most recent allegation that his friends have the freedom to appoint cabinet ministers. Still, he has enjoyed the public support of the African National Congress, with the party's lawmakers repeatedly coming to his defense in parliament and at political rallies.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said it would immediately begin impeachment proceedings against Zuma. The second largest opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, called on South Africans to protest if parliament failed to remove the president.
While parliament has the power to remove him, the ANC holds most of the seats, and ruling party lawmakers defeated a no-confidence vote against Zuma earlier this year. With 248 of the 400 seats in South Africa's parliament, according to the country's Independent Electoral Commission, the ANC's parliamentary majority is more than all the opposition parties' combined, meaning another vote against Zuma is unlikely to succeed.
Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng also said that parliament had failed in its obligations by not holding Zuma to account in the spending scandal.
ANC the Answer? By far! ANC again shows their face of corruption by supporting a corrupt man.
Commentary Response:
- What should be done with Zuma?
He should be impeached and a conservative, constitutional ruler should be appointed. Not backed by the ANC.
A man ruled by his heart after the Lord. A heart guided by God’s law will show the people that the ruler is a servant for the people, then, the country will flourish. A shining example of God’s principle used in a country which honors God’s rule on earth. - What should be done with the ANC?
The ANC is corrupt thru and thru. It should be dealt with accordingly. Removed from seats of power.