Concourt's dismissal of Zuma recusal application affirms judicial independence: Analyst

The Weekend View

The Constitutional Court YESTERDAY dismissed former president Jacob Zuma's recusal application. The court did not give reasons for its dismissal, but they are expected to provide these in their written ruling on this case. Zuma had argued that six judges of the Constitutional Court that sent him to prison in the first place should not be involved in the current matter of his eligibility to participate in elections saying they can't act as both players and referees. After the dismissal the court then heard an application by the Electoral Commission of South Africa - IEC - to appeal against an Electoral Court ruling that paved the way for Zuma to run for public office. The IEC wants the apex court to appeal against the Electoral Court's ruling overturning the commission's decision to bar Zuma from running for public office due to his 15-month prison sentence in 2021.The IEC disqualified Zuma from running on the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's ticket as a result of the sentence he received for contempt of court. The Concourt has reserved judgement in the matter.
Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter