'RAMAPHOSA MUST GO'

Former President Jacob Zuma is demanding President Cyril Ramaphosa's immediate resignation for allegedly breaching the Constitution.

In a sharply-worded statement, KMNS Inc. Attorneys, acting for Zuma, accused Ramaphosa of 'increasingly obscure' and 'unconstitutional' conduct relating to high-level government appointments and an ongoing judicial inquiry.

This comes as the Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party case against Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on leave on Tuesday,

The attorneys fired questions aimed at exposing the rationale behind recent decisions, particularly the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police, and the formation of a commission chaired by the Acting Deputy Chief Justice to investigate alleged corruption in the judiciary.

Mchunu was suspended and placed on leave with immediate effect on July 13, 2025, awaiting a judicial commission of investigation into claims of corruption and political influence in South Africa's policing agencies.

"Your conduct is not in the interests of the people of South Africa and future generations," said the attorneys. "Where in our law do you, as president, derive the power to delegate the proposed Judicial Commission of Inquiry the power to investigate allegations of misconduct and/or criminal conduct on the part of any member or members of the Judiciary?"

The attorneys also took issue with the cost to the public. "What are the estimated costs to the taxpayers for the failure to act in a similar or consistent manner?"

They demanded that Ramaphosa withdraw the announcements made on July 13 and 31 regarding Cabinet reshuffles, reverse the swearing-in of Professor Cachalia and resign immediately for "repeatedly violating your oath of office”.

The legal team warned that failure to meet their deadline of 10am Friday, 8 August will result in urgent court action.

Professor Theo Neethling, head of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State, said Ramaphosa has already faced similar criticism with Zuma sending him a letter on 28 August 2020, challenging his commitment to fighting corruption.

Neethling explained: "Frankly, I do not believe this latest call for the president's resignation will succeed.

"It appears to be more of a political manoeuvre than a matter of substantive concern.

"The focus seems to be on undermining the person of President Ramaphosa rather than on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountable governance."