Court Dismisses Khumalo’s Bid to Declare Zuma Presidency Invalid

In a setback for former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed his application to have the presidency of Jacob Zuma declared invalid. The case, which was brought by Maimane in 2018, argued that Zuma’s appointment was unlawful due to the Constitutional Court’s finding that he had breached his oath of office by failing to uphold and protect the Constitution. The court, however, ruled that it did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter, as it had already been ruled on by the Constitutional Court. The court also dismissed Maimane’s argument that the Constitutional Court’s ruling was inconsistent with the High Court’s earlier decision to declare Zuma’s suspension of former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega unlawful. “The finding by the Constitutional Court is binding on all courts and cannot be disregarded or overturned,” Judge Ntendeya Mavundla said. Maimane’s application had sought to have Zuma’s presidency declared invalid from the date of his election in 2009. He argued that Zuma’s appointment was unlawful because the National Assembly had not properly considered the Constitutional Court’s finding against him before electing him. However, the court ruled that the National Assembly had acted within its powers and that Zuma’s election was not invalid. The court also noted that Zuma had been elected by a majority of the National Assembly and that there was no evidence that his election was tainted by any irregularity. Maimane was disappointed with the court’s ruling but said he would appeal. “The court did not consider the merits of the case and dismissed it on a technicality,” Maimane said. “We will appeal this decision because it is important for the integrity of our democracy to hold those who break the law accountable.” The DA said it would continue to fight for the rule of law and the accountability of public officials. “We will not rest until Zuma is held accountable for his actions,” DA leader John Steenhuisen said.Electoral Tribunal Dismisses MK Founder’s Urgent Application

Electoral Tribunal Dismisses MK Founder’s Urgent Application

The Electoral Tribunal has dismissed an urgent application by MK founder Jabulani Khumalo seeking redress over alleged forgery of his signature on a document submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Khumalo claimed that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, had forged his signature to create the impression that he was resigning from his position and that Zuma would replace him. Khumalo approached the Electoral Tribunal to challenge the IEC’s decision to register Zuma as the party leader, arguing that it was invalid, illegal, and should be set aside. However, in a scathing ruling, the court dismissed Khumalo’s application, labeling it frivolous, without merit, and an abuse of court processes. The court also accused Khumalo of committing perjury. The court’s decision effectively ends Khumalo’s attempt to have Zuma’s registration as party leader declared invalid. The ruling has been met with mixed reactions. Some MK members have expressed support for Khumalo, while others have welcomed the court’s decision, arguing that it protects the integrity of the electoral process. The MK party has previously filed an interdict to prevent Friday’s National Assembly session from proceeding, but that application was also dismissed by the court. For further analysis on this development, viewers can tune into eNCA on channel DStv 403.The North Gauteng High Court has dismissed former President Jacob Zuma’s bid to have his presidency declared invalid. The application was brought by the MK Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), which argued that Zuma’s election was invalid because he was not a member of the National Assembly at the time. The court found that the MKMVA did not have the legal standing to bring the application, and that Zuma’s election was valid. The court also found that the MKMVA’s application was an abuse of process, and that it was not in the public interest to grant the relief sought. The MKMVA has said that it will appeal the judgment.