If a government disdains its responsibility in enforcing the very law it has been mandated to uphold it loses its legitimacy
15 August 2023 - 15:06
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The de facto pardoning of Jacob Zuma closes the final chapter of the malevolence that has brought the country to a state of lawlessness, all to protect this kleptocracy that professes to govern.
Zuma retires to his ill-gotten abode as a free man, without any requirement for remorse for committing crimes that have destroyed a nation and brought shame to the name Nelson Mandela.
When a government disdains its responsibility in enforcing the very law it has been mandated to uphold it loses its legitimacy. It loses its ability to pass the edicts, collect the taxes and, most importantly the trust, any government must have to fashion a modern state.
The silence of the Constitutional Court bench is equally concerning. By failing to take a stand, the justices open themselves to accusations of allowing government to violate the rule of law. To save itself from degradation it should haul justice & correctional services minister Ronald Lamola before the court to place on record the irrationality of his decision.
UK Sunday Times columnist Ferdinand Mount has pointed out that when high court judges are cautious to the point of timidity in expressing criticism of governmental action the judiciary becomes complicit in the unconstitutional action it was mandated to prevent.
John Catsicas Senior partner, John Nicholas & Co
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
LETTER: Zuma pardoning protects kleptocracy
If a government disdains its responsibility in enforcing the very law it has been mandated to uphold it loses its legitimacy
The de facto pardoning of Jacob Zuma closes the final chapter of the malevolence that has brought the country to a state of lawlessness, all to protect this kleptocracy that professes to govern.
Zuma retires to his ill-gotten abode as a free man, without any requirement for remorse for committing crimes that have destroyed a nation and brought shame to the name Nelson Mandela.
When a government disdains its responsibility in enforcing the very law it has been mandated to uphold it loses its legitimacy. It loses its ability to pass the edicts, collect the taxes and, most importantly the trust, any government must have to fashion a modern state.
The silence of the Constitutional Court bench is equally concerning. By failing to take a stand, the justices open themselves to accusations of allowing government to violate the rule of law. To save itself from degradation it should haul justice & correctional services minister Ronald Lamola before the court to place on record the irrationality of his decision.
UK Sunday Times columnist Ferdinand Mount has pointed out that when high court judges are cautious to the point of timidity in expressing criticism of governmental action the judiciary becomes complicit in the unconstitutional action it was mandated to prevent.
John Catsicas
Senior partner, John Nicholas & Co
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
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