COSATU statement on the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Nkandla upgrades

31 March 2016

The Congress of South African Trade Union has noted the Constitutional Court’s ruling delivered today on the matter relating to whether the powers of the Public Protector are binding or not on the Nkandla issue. We respect the clarity provided by the Court’s ruling on this matter and we call on all concerned parties to implement the court’s ruling without fail.

This court judgement is exceptionally significant for our growing democracy because it has also helped to shed some light on the contentious issue of the separation of powers. Going forward this should also help strengthen our democracy and assist the nation to navigate future challenges. 

This decision also reiterated and confirmed the president’s commitment, made during the court’s proceedings to refund the state ,some of the money spent on Nkandla upgrades. COSATU will take time to further study the Courts ruling in full and will give a comprehensive response afterwards if necessary.

Issued by Sizwe Pamla, National Spokesperson, COSATU, 31 March 2016