Overview

• Justice Rammaka Steven Mathopo delivered the Constitutional Court’s full reasons on Friday for refusing the MK Party and Jacob Zuma direct access in July.
• The court held the case did not fall within its exclusive jurisdiction and that the interests of justice did not warrant direct access, noting the availability of High Court relief under the Constitution.
• The applicants had sought to invalidate President Cyril Ramaphosa’s placement of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave, the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting minister, and the establishment of the Madlanga Commission.
• The justices declined to pronounce on the merits of the challenge and ordered each side to bear its own costs.
• Separately, the MK Party’s attempt to pursue the matter in the Pretoria High Court was struck from the roll for lack of urgency, and the Madlanga Commission’s inquiry remains under way.