National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete 'appreciative' of ConCourt ruling

The ruling on the Nkandla issue by the Constitutional court was highly appreciated by the Parliament's presiding officers. After the court's decision, the country will now have a legal certainty on issues like Public Protector.

National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete said the court's judgment was balanced and sound. She added that these decisions are most welcomed and will serve as a guide on their approach in handling reports of the Nine Institutions in the future.

In her preliminary observation which is based on the court's decision, Mbete concluded that the democracy in their country is alive and well. She said that if the judgment will be different, then certain matters might be handled in a different way in the future, as per News 24.

Mbete emphasized the role of the court as a protector of the constitution and has affirmed the power and the oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly. She also appreciated the importance of the decision to their democracy. Mbete now urges the parties involved to reflect collectively on the decision. She will schedule a meeting with the leaders of the different political parties.

As reported by ENCA, the Constitutional Court found out that Zuma breached the constitution when he failed to address the report made by Public Prosecutor Thuli Madonsela regarding the security improvements of Zuma's private Nkandla residence. The court also asked Zuma to return to the state the amount that was used which will still be determined by the National Treasury.

President Jacob Zuma, on the other hand, addressed the country, welcoming the Constitutional Courts findings on the Nkandla issue. He added that it was never his intention to defy the recommendations of the Public Prosecutor regarding the issue, according to Eye Witness News.

The court's Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, said  the National Assembly has a duty to hold the president accountable by ensuring compliance with the recommendations and decisions of the Public Prosecutor.

Tags

National Assembly, National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete, Nkandla case, Constitutional Court, Public Prosecutor Thuli Madonsela, President Jacob Zuma, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng

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