Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
7 May 2024 | 11:00 CAT
2 min read

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation asserts that Jacob Zuma, labelled a “constitutional delinquent,” is unfit for Parliament. This declaration follows the Electoral Court’s ruling allowing Zuma’s eligibility despite his criminal record.

The foundation supports the Electoral Commission’s appeal to the Constitutional Court, stressing the need for clarity on constitutional provisions regarding candidate disqualification.

Neeshan Balton, the foundation’s executive director, insists that Zuma’s past conviction renders him unsuitable for parliamentary candidacy.

Balton highlighted that the case before the court stems from initial objections to Jacob Zuma’s candidacy, which the IEC supported. Following the registration of all candidates, objections were raised and upheld by the IEC, yet later appealed by the MK party, prompting the IEC to rightfully seek clarity from the Constitutional Court.

“In our view, the IEC has correctly appealed to the constitutional court for important clarity on the court,” he said.

The non-profit organization was accepted as ‘friends of the court’ on Sunday in the case brought to the Constitutional Court by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). This followed the Electoral Court’s rejection of the IEC’s move to disqualify Jacob Zuma from parliamentary candidacy.

“What is important is an expression of support and solidarity with the IEC, which is a pillar of our democracy. The IEC was coming under attack, so the foundation thought it was important to support them by applying directly to the constitutional court,” he said.

The IEC called on the apex court to clarify Section 47 of the Constitution.

Balton emphasised that the Constitutional Court previously determined that Zuma failed to fulfil his presidential duties and breached the constitution in the Nkandla issue. Furthermore, statements from his party indicate a desire to amend the court’s powers and potentially discard significant portions of the constitution if they assume power.

“We need to understand the different strands of people rallying behind Zuma. You don’t have to look far; look at who rallied behind the July riots; that would be possibly one area of support. Secondly, the groups who are disgruntled with the current ruling party would also rally behind him because they think that’s their way of getting into office. The country has so many people angry about so many things that they would rally behind someone who they think might deliver political office to them,” he said.

The Foundation hopes the Constitutional Court will support the IEC’s appeal, citing Zuma’s sentence of more than 12 months as grounds for disqualification.

The Constitutional Court is set to hear the case on May 10th.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Neeshan Balton, the executive director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, here.