Is the government’s Covid-19 response undermining the constitution?
The powers and people of the National Command Council may be violating constitutional law, in terms of the Disaster Management Act
During what was has been widely lauded as one of the better presidential Covid-19 crisis speeches, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “[We] have decided to establish a National Command Council (NCC) which will be chaired by the president. This NCC will include, among others, members of the inter-ministerial committee, and will meet three times per week to co-ordinate all aspects of our extraordinary emergency response.”
Despite the scant and confusing details provided to date about the powers and functions of the NCC, it is clear that the body is no paper tiger. It appears to be wielding significant policy-making powers, and dictating the formulation of regulations, but the legal basis on which it is doing so is not apparent. Two primary concerns arise...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.