Faizel Patel, 2016-04-01
President Jacob Zuma says he didn’t act dishonestly and there was no effort to subvert the constitution.
“I wish to emphasise that I never knowingly or deliberately set out to violate the Constitution which is the supreme law of the Republic.”
Zuma was addressing the nation this evening following the judgment by the Constitutional Court which ruled that his decision to ignore the Public Protector’s Nkandla report was unlawful and directly violated the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
The highest court in the land also found that the Public Protector’s remedial action on the Nkandla matter was binding and that Zuma has to pay back the money.
“I respect the judgment and will abide by it. I have consistently said I am willing to pay once the amount has been determined by the correct authority.”
He says it was never his intention not to abide by the Public Protector’s remedial action.
“I welcome the finding of the court that it was legally permissible for me to inquire into the aspects of the reports I disagreed with.”
Zuma also apologised to the nation for his handling of the Nkandla issue.
“I apologise on my behalf and behalf of government. I urge all parties to respect the judgment and abide by it.”
Zuma says the judgement should help government to further build and strengthen our democracy.
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