Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Electoral Court, accusing him of using his office for political gain through a national address on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Sunday.
In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the sixth administration’s achievements, including efforts to tackle corruption, handle the Covid-19 pandemic, combat gender-based violence, and reduce load shedding.
He also mentioned the signing into law of the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI).
🚨The DA will file an urgent court application against Ramaphosa for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct.
In his “address to the nation” last night, he abused the highest office in the land to manipulate voters.
Let’s #VoteDA and get rid of the ANC!https://t.co/43XJWqHJnI
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) May 27, 2024
The DA, however, claimed Ramaphosa’s address was an attempt to campaign for the African National Congress (ANC) just before the elections on 29 May.
DA leader John Steenhuisen argued this violated the Electoral Code by abusing the president’s position to influence the election outcome.
“Among other provisions, the Code as contained in the Electoral Act states expressly that ‘no person may abuse a position of power, privilege or influence, including parental, patriarchal, traditional or employment authority, to influence the conduct or outcome of an election‘,” Steenhuisen said.
He added: “Ramaphosa’s manipulation was cynical, calculated and designed to influence the outcome of the election by providing the ANC with unearned airtime not made available to any other party contesting the election.”
“Not for the first time, Ramaphosa has chosen his corrupt political party over South Africa. As the President, he should have known better and must be held to account. This type of abuse cannot be allowed by anyone.”
Steenhuisen said that Ramaphosa’s misuse of the presidential office indicated panic, as he realised that voters were set to hold the ANC accountable for corruption and misrule.
He urged voters to turn out in large numbers to end the ANC’s abuse of democracy for personal and political gain.
Steenhuisen also warned that Ramaphosa’s actions suggested the ANC is willing to undermine constitutional democracy to retain power.
According to The Citizen, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, defended the address, saying it was a non-partisan account of the administration’s work and an assurance of free and fair elections.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
