Cape Town – The Presidency has reportedly accused former president Jacob Zuma of “harassing” President Cyril Ramaphosa, following Zuma’s latest demand.
Zuma through his legal team asked Ramaphosa to reverse his decision to appoint Judge Raymond Zondo as the country’s chief justice and gave the president until 11 May to respond, reported IOL.
Ramaphosa appointed Zondo last year, following consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and leaders of parties in the National Assembly on four nominees for the top post.
Zuma gave the president until 11 May to respond, the report said.
Among other disqualifying factors, Zuma believes Zondo was the least suitable candidate, stating that Justice Mandisa Maya was the “only suitable candidate”, the report said.
“Failure to comply with any or all the above-mentioned demands will result in our clients instituting urgent legal proceedings in the appropriate court without giving any further notice to you,” the report quoted.
ALSO READ | Zuma calls Ramaphosa a ‘low life thief’
According to TimeLIVE, the Presidency labelled Zuma’s latest demand as “harassment” stemming from his inability to accept that Ramaphosa is the president of the ruling party and country.
“We view this latest missive from Zuma as another element of his broader harassment campaign aimed at the president, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya was quoted saying.
“Beneath Zuma’s guise of a self-proclaimed and righteous guardian of our constitutional democracy is a contemptuous denial of President Ramaphosa’s leadership of the governing party and the country.
“The president will not waste his time considering such illogical demands. Zuma can continue with another frivolous court action if he so desires.”
Last month at his 81st birthday party celebration, Zuma called Ramaphosa a “low-life thief” and called on the youth to take a stand against his government.
During his speech, the former president referred to the Phala Phala saga without naming Ramaphosa
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
