NADEL PRESS STATEMENT
The National Association of Democratic Lawyers ("NADEL") has observed the saga surrounding the news of the alleged imminent arrest of the Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, by the Hawks. Various civil society groups have expressed outrage at what they have labelled “Hawk’s attack on Gordhan and his Former SARS colleagues”. They allege that the charges are not only baseless but the manner in which they have been pursued is clearly calculated to besmirch the names of individuals and has predictably already seriously impaired our national economy. Some political analysts are reported to have said that these events are part of the political endgame by President Zuma.
There are two pertinent issues arising out of this saga that can’t remain unattended. Firstly, the alleged use of state agencies in resolving political matters and secondly the perceptions that certain people or officials in government should be above the law and that our law must yield to manipulations by powerful economic powers.
The narrative by some civil societies that certain individuals cannot and should not be prosecuted and or investigated because of the roles they play in society and/or because of markets dictates cannot be accepted and is rejected with the contempt that it deserves. Such a narrative presents a threat to our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The only question, in this matter, to be asked by all of us is, is there a case that the Minister needs to answer to? We remind civil society of its role in upholding the constitution and the values enshrined therein. A perpetuation of the idea that certain individuals are above the law, for whatever reason, is an injustice that this country cannot afford
There have been reports circulating in the media talking of a government in war with itself, stating that State agencies are being used in resolving political matters. We deliberately refrain from commenting on the merits of these allegations in respect of the present case but move to warn of the dangers of such abuse, should the allegations be correct.