Manuel began his testimony outlining the importance of the president’s oath of office.
"My understanding of our constitution is that it vests responsibility, executive authority, in the president. There's no higher authority.
"In respect of the appointment of ministers, the constitution doesn’t give anybody else the authority to do so. In the oath of office of the president, there’s a commitment to act within the interests to advance the republic and oppose that which weakens it," he said.
His comments related directly to one of the commission's terms of reference – to investigate the extent to which the Gupta family had influence over the president in appointing and axing cabinet ministers.
Manuel's testimony is continuing.