SA’s democracy is safe after Nkandla judgment‚ says Phosa

He was commenting on the Constitutional Court’s finding on Thursday that President Jacob Zuma had acted illegally and in violation of the Constitution.

Addressing the Phalaborwa Chamber of Business‚ Phosa said: “Our democracy is safe. With the ruling handed down in the Constitutional Court today one of the most important tests of the Democratic principles contained in our Constitution has been tested and passed.

“We can sleep with ease tonight in the knowledge that nobody and no actions are above the law.”

Phosa added that Zuma’s position as president had become even more controversial than before.

“The whole country now waits with bated breath to hear whether he‚ and my party‚ the ANC‚ will do the right thing and relieve us of this crippling nightmare.

“We need a new beginning‚ fresh and selfless leadership and a collective that finds a cause bigger than itself‚” Phosa said.

Confirming on Thursday that the remedial action taken against Zuma by public protector Thuli Madonsela was binding‚ the Constitutional Court ordered that Zuma must pay back the money spent by the state on non-security upgrades at his Nkandla residence within 105 days.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said Zuma’s failure to comply with Madonsela’s remedial action was inconsistent with the constitution and invalid.

He said the treasury must determine the reasonable cost of the upgrades not related to security‚ namely the visitors centre‚ amphitheatre‚ cattle kraal‚ chicken run and swimming pool.