Cape Town – The High Court in Johannesburg is set to hear a case brought by former president Jacob Zuma and his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party challenging the SABC’s use of the term “Government of National Unity” (GNU) to describe South Africa’s current political arrangement.
Originally dismissed from the urgent court in August for lack of urgency, the applicants were advised to seek a special allocation.
They argue that the SABC’s conduct is unconstitutional and invalid, claiming the term “GNU” misleads the public.
Zuma asserts in an affidavit that the current political setup, resulting from normal democratic processes, does not meet the criteria of a GNU and that millions of South Africans rely on the SABC as their primary news source.
“H.E President Zuma and the MK Party seek a declaration that the SABC’s refusal to cease using the term “Government of National Unity” to describe the current DA-ANC coalition government is unconstitutional,” the party said in a statement.
[MEDIA ALERT]: On Monday, 27 January 2025, 09h30 at the Gauteng High Court in Pritchard Street, Johannesburg will hear an application brought by H.E President Jacob Zuma and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (“MK Party”) against the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). pic.twitter.com/PKfQG9cphP
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) January 23, 2025
“H.E President Zuma and the MK Party assert that it is a grave misrepresenation to label “Government of National Unity”, a coalition that, in our view, intentionally excludes millions of millions of cizens, drawing a parallel to the exclusionary practices of the apartheid regime
The SABC is opposing the application, and the court will consider the matter tomorrow.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
