We have noted the ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) today in Bloemfontein on the state's appeal case against the judgement by the Pietermaritzburg High Court judge Chris Nicholson (see here). 

Cope respects the decision by the court and expects all South Africans to do the same.  We particularly welcome the SCA ruling regarding the allegations of political interference by the previous administration as inferred by judge Nicholson.

It is our view that judge Nicholson judgement had major political consequences for the country.  What was tragic was the opportunistic way the ruling African National Congress leadership abused it to settle its internal political battles.  The ruling party prematurely "recalled" former president Thabo Mbeki based on this judgement without any serious due consideration for national stability and international image of the country. 

What was required was a serious and sober assessment of judge Nicholson ruling and implications for the country. Today's decision by the SCA indicates to the nation that the ANC failed to provide mature political leadership and has set a very dangerous precedent in which a sitting head of state could be removed at any time depending on the whim and mood of the party's executive committee.

The state's case against president of the ruling party Mr Jacob Zuma should proceed to trial without delay.  This we say without undermining his constitutional right to exhaust the legal process in clearing his name.  Mr Zuma has indicated when he presented the manifesto that his party will be strong on corruption and that it respects the constitution and the principle of equality before the law.  This is the time for Mr Zuma to proceed to trial so that he can finally clear his name on the corruption charges levelled against him by the state.   

Statement issued by the Congress of the People January 12 2009